PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since September 1, 2006, reflecting significant impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including PTSD, back disorder, right and left arm disorders, skin disorder, headache disorder, and sinus disorder were denied. The Board found no evidence of current disabilities related to these issues.

The Board found that the Veteran's PTSD was not incurred in or aggravated by his active military service due to a lack of credible evidence supporting the occurrence of the claimed in-service stressor.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance or at the housebound rate is being remanded due to inadequate examination. The VA needs to distinguish between service-connected PTSD and nonservice-connected TBI residuals, and determine if the Veteran requires aid and attendance solely due to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA and VA records relevant to the Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, which includes PTSD and depression.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder has been granted a higher initial disability evaluation of 50 percent, effective from August 4, 2007.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA medical records and Social Security Administration records. The Veteran's PTSD disability rating and unemployability claim will be reviewed again after this additional information is obtained.

The Veteran's PTSD with mood disorder results in occupational and social impairment, but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders other than PTSD were not incurred or aggravated by active service and denied the claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and alcohol abuse, finding that there was no credible evidence of in-service stressors or a nexus to current conditions.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted with a 50 percent rating effective June 13, 2005. The issue of whether he is entitled to TDIU due to his service-connected PTSD remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service personnel records and medical records related to the Veteran's alleged military sexual trauma during basic training. The Veteran is also seeking service connection for PTSD due to her reported rape in service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of July 26, 2004, for service connection and a 10 percent disability evaluation for anxiety disorder (claimed as PTSD) is granted.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for PTSD is denied as there was no pending claim prior to October 25, 2007, pursuant to which service connection for PTSD could have been awarded.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted service connection and rated at 50 percent. The case is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the severity of his PTSD symptoms and its impact on his social and industrial adaptability, as well as whether his disabilities prevent him from engaging in substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and Social Security Administration (SSA) records. A PTSD examination will also be scheduled.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his PTSD. The TDIU claim will also be addressed.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining service personnel records and medical records in Spanish. The Veteran's mental health condition is to be evaluated for any relationship to service, including fear of hostile military activity.