PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD, finding that there was no clear and unmistakable evidence showing that his PTSD pre-existed service or was not aggravated by service.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, joint pain (attributed to arthritis/degenerative joint disease and bursitis), headaches, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The Veteran's exposure in the Republic of Vietnam is presumed due to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities, namely PTSD and major depressive disorder, are the result of an in-service stressor. The Board has granted service connection for these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, finding that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen his previously denied claim. The Board also found that there was no evidence of insanity at the time of the offenses resulting in his bad conduct discharge.

The Board has granted a 100 percent rating for the service-connected Major Depressive Disorder with symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, effective from October 21, 2002.

The Board has remanded the claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD due to a need for further development and consideration.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran experienced a stressor during his active duty in Vietnam and that he currently experiences PTSD as a result of this stressor.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the Veteran's asbestosis, right-sided brain damage, and PTSD. The claims are to be considered in light of Clemons v. Shinseki.

The Board has granted the appellant's request to reopen her claim of service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that new and material evidence has been submitted. The issue will now be remanded for further development.

The Veteran's PTSD is found to be incurred during active duty service, and his asthma is not attributable to active military service.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 10 percent prior to November 23, 2010. The rating has been granted and the Veteran does not meet criteria for a higher initial rating.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and PTSD, is related to her in-service military sexual trauma. The Board finds that service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and PTSD, is granted.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim for service connection for PTSD. The Veteran's request to reopen his PTSD claim was denied.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in significant impairment, but not total social or occupational impairment. He was granted a 70 percent rating for the period prior to December 30, 2005.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for PTSD due to a lack of adequate medical opinion regarding whether the in-service assault occurred and its relationship to current psychiatric disability.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the claims of service connection for PTSD and shrapnel wounds of the eyes, both for the purpose of accrued benefits. The Veteran's claimed stressors were credible and related to his fear of hostile military activity involving events resulting in actual or threatened death or serious injury; the claim is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 100 percent since March 22, 2004, due to total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since October 16, 2006. The Board found that the current level of impairment does not warrant a higher rating. Additionally, the Veteran was not found to be unemployable due to his service-connected disability.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder was granted a 70 percent disability rating from February 21, 2007, to July 20, 2010. Since July 21, 2010, the condition did not meet criteria for an evaluation greater than 70 percent.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder including depression and PTSD, as well as a neck and cervical spine disorder. The Veteran's conditions were not related to his military service.