PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed as he withdrew his claim for an increased evaluation of PTSD.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for PTSD and granted service connection, finding that new evidence supports a diagnosis of PTSD related to an in-service assault. Service connection was also granted for residuals of a head injury and for treatment purposes only for a dental disorder affecting teeth other than 8 and 9.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD and finds that new and material evidence has been submitted. A VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran currently has a diagnosed psychiatric disorder as a result of his in-service stressors.

The Board finds that the Veteran's service connection claim for a psychiatric disability, including Major Depressive Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, is granted as her condition is at least in equipoise with service connection due to evidence of continuity of symptoms since service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since September 22, 2006. The Board finds that the criteria for a higher initial evaluation are not met.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to fully and fairly consider the Veteran's claims, including obtaining SSA records and providing a PTSD personal assault notice and questionnaire.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted service connection based on a verified in-service stressor. However, his prostate cancer claim was denied as there is no evidence of exposure to herbicides during service and the condition did not manifest within one year after separation.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, effective February 26, 2008. The rating reflects significant impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues with verifying the appellant's claimed stressors and determining whether his acquired psychiatric disabilities are related to service. The VA will attempt to verify all of the appellant's claimed stressors, conduct a new examination to determine if PTSD is related to combat experiences, and obtain any relevant VA treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of his PTSD and consideration of entitlement to TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for consideration of a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability prior to August 30, 2005. The issue will be reconsidered in light of new evidence and the impact of hepatitis C.

The Veteran is seeking an earlier effective date for a combined 100 percent disability rating, which was granted on September 29, 2006. The appeal is currently in remand status due to unresolved issues regarding the July 1985 decision and clarification of his April 2008 notice of disagreement.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for right shoulder impingement syndrome with degenerative changes and rotator cuff tendonitis was withdrawn in May 2011. The Board does not have appellate jurisdiction over this issue.

The Board found that the Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and depression, was granted due to his in-service exposure to combat-related stressors. The current diagnoses of PTSD were accepted as credible by VA medical professionals.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for further examination and opinion regarding the nature and etiology of his mental health conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted and assigned a 100% evaluation, effective September 21, 2007. Service connection for the chronic acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD (which includes depression and dementia with depressed mood) is also granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to a failure to schedule a hearing at the Nashville, Tennessee RO. The Veteran requested a Travel Board or videoconference hearing but no such hearing was scheduled.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran meets the criteria for service connection for PTSD and depression, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the relationship between his current conditions and his military service. The appeal will be remanded for these purposes.

The Board has determined that there is no current diagnosis of sterility and the Veteran does not have children, thus denying service connection for sterility. The claim for PTSD remains pending as further examination and development are needed to determine if a current diagnosis exists and whether it is related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to conflicting reports of his in-service stressor and the reliability of his recollection. The VA will obtain additional medical records, schedule a psychiatric examination, and determine if he has any current acquired psychiatric disorders possibly related to service.