PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding no verified stressor related to an in-service sexual assault and concluding that her current diagnosis of PTSD is not supported by credible evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since May 13, 2006. The current rating is based on the criteria for a higher disability evaluation.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in some difficulty in social and occupational functioning, but did not result in moderate impairment as required for a higher evaluation. The Board found the disability picture more nearly approximated the criteria for a 10 percent rating.

The Veteran's need for aid and attendance of another was found to be due to service-connected disabilities, specifically PTSD, duodenal ulcer disease, and tinnitus. The claim is granted from October 19, 2006.

The Board has granted service connection for depression and PTSD, finding that these conditions are related to inservice sexual trauma and racial violence. Service connection for discoid lupus erythematosus was not granted as the evidence did not establish a nexus with service or a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions, including macules on the tongue, bronchitis, asthma, sinusitis, a heart murmur, hypertension (HTN), right and left carpal tunnel syndromes, bilateral pes planus, low back disability, residuals of salpingo-oophorectomy, and psychiatric disorders have been granted.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted service connection based on the benefit of doubt, as his statements about in-service stressors were found credible and consistent with the places, types, and circumstances of his service. The Veteran also has a current diagnosis of depressive disorder.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD based on personal assault, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and consideration of new evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating of 70 percent is warranted based on his symptoms.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his service in Vietnam, and thus grants entitlement to service connection for PTSD. The hearing loss and tinnitus claims are remanded as the VA examination report did not comply with the requirements of the remand.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and other psychiatric disorders were denied as the evidence did not support a diagnosis of PTSD, and there was no credible evidence linking his current symptoms to service.

The Board has ordered the VA to obtain the Veteran's service treatment records for his periods of active duty and ACDUTRA service with the Marine Corps Reserves. The case is REMANDED for these records to be obtained.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD with alcohol dependency and a residual shell fragment wound of muscle group VII, do not preclude him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and occupational background.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is necessary to assess the Veteran's PTSD and RSD, as well as obtain updated treatment records. The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD will be remanded due to the need for an opinion regarding whether his claimed stressor meets the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD under the revised regulations. His claim for increased rating for RSD is also remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and further development of the record.

The Board has determined that a VA psychiatric examination is necessary to determine if the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and depression, are related to active duty service. The claim will be remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran does not have an acquired psychiatric disability that is etiologically related to his active service and a psychosis was not present within a year of the Veteran's separation from active service.

The Veteran's PTSD has been manifested primarily by symptoms of depression, intrusive thoughts, nightmares, sleeplessness, irritability, and difficulty in establishing effective work and social relationships. These symptoms demonstrate occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent disabling, effective December 28, 2009. The rating reflects the severity of his symptoms such as depression, irritability, anxiety, and impaired sleep without more severe manifestations.

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