PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from obtaining and retaining gainful employment prior to June 29, 2007.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since December 19, 2007. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating as his disability picture does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under Diagnostic Code 9411.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to care for his daily needs without requiring the regular aid and attendance of another person; and he is neither bedridden nor housebound.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be related to his active service, and he has been granted service connection for this condition.,The Veteran was diagnosed with PTSD due to verified in-service stressors, and he has also been granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his PTSD with secondary alcohol abuse and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (PTSD, shell fragment wound to the right thigh with postoperative vein graft, and bilateral hearing loss) have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted entitlement to TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD is found to be incurred in service, as supported by medical evidence and the Veteran's own history of combat experiences. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Board found no current diagnosis of PTSD and concluded that the Veteran's alleged erectile dysfunction was not incurred in or aggravated by service, nor is it related to a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records and for a new examination to determine the current severity of his PTSD. The claims will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has been manifested by mild to moderate symptoms which result in occasional decreases in work efficiency and ability to perform occupational tasks only during periods of significant stress. The current rating is 50 percent, as the criteria for a higher rating have not been met.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a PTSD examination. The TDIU claim will be held in abeyance until the PTSD rating decision is resolved.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,For his residuals of a nose injury (including headaches), the Veteran is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,The Veteran's service-connected deviated nasal septum is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,External hemorrhoids are currently noncompensable, and the Board finds no basis to grant a compensable disability rating.,For his peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity, the Veteran is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,For his peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, the Veteran is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,For his peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity, the Veteran is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,For his peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, the Veteran is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Board has vacated its previous decision and granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD, finding that his diagnosis is based on confirmed stressors during his service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling an examination to determine his employability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are found to be related to service-connected conditions. The lung disorder is not shown to be directly related to service or service-connected conditions, but may be due to obesity and sleep apnea.

The Board found no evidence of a current diagnosis of PTSD or depression, and the Veteran's conditions are denied as service connection is decided on the merits.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased evaluation of PTSD with cannabis abuse and the timeliness of his appeal submission on November 4, 1998.

The Board found that the evidence did not sufficiently corroborate the Veteran's claimed non-combat stressor of a sexual assault and did not relate an acquired psychiatric disability to his time in military service. As such, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's appeal regarding the denial of an effective date prior to January 3, 1994, for the award of service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder must be dismissed as a matter of law.