PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's appeal regarding increased ratings for PTSD and TDIU is being remanded to the RO for further consideration of new evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the inadequacy of the VA examination. The examiner did not provide a diagnosis of PTSD and did not discuss the Veteran's diagnosed depressive disorder.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a neck disability, manifested by chronic headaches, loss of feeling in the left hand and right hand, and loss of feeling in the left foot and right foot, was granted. The Veteran's service connection claim for a hernia was denied. A rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD, effective from December 8, 2010, was granted. The Veteran's TDIU rating claim is pending.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD, lumbosacral strain, and left knee disability were denied as the evidence did not show that his service-connected conditions warranted higher ratings.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since the initial rating period, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to obtain additional treatment records and to provide a VA examination for his PTSD. The case will be reviewed after these actions are completed.

The Veteran is entitled to a 70 percent evaluation for PTSD effective April 28, 2005. The Board also finds that the criteria for TDIU are met as of this date.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that his combat-related stressors are verified and his diagnosis of PTSD is linked to these stressors.

The Veteran's appeals for a higher initial rating for service-connected PTSD and major depression, and for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD and major depression have been withdrawn.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating and earlier effective date for PTSD was granted, with the effective date set at October 23, 2000.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as the appellant (Veteran) through his attorney has withdrawn this appeal.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and medical opinions regarding the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and their impact on his employability.

The Board has granted a 100 percent rating for the Veteran's service-connected PTSD, effective from September 30, 2004. The evidence shows that his PTSD causes total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, was caused by his active service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the appellant's current psychiatric disability, diagnosed as PTSD, dysthymia, and paranoid schizophrenia, had its inception during active duty.

The Board granted an initial 70 percent rating for PTSD from March 15, 2001, through January 9, 2005. The Veteran also received a separate evaluation of 70 percent for alcoholism and substance abuse.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD due to the Veteran's reported experiences in Southwest Asia during his military service. The Veteran also has current diagnoses of bilateral great toe and hip disorders, which are found to be related to his active service.

The Board has found that the Veteran manifests PTSD resulting from a stressor event in a hostile environment, which is confirmed by a VA psychiatrist. The claim of service connection for PTSD is granted. New and material evidence has been received to reopen claims of service connection for hypertension (secondary to diabetes) and sleep apnea.

The Board denied service connection for prostate cancer and PTSD. For prostate cancer, the Veteran was not diagnosed with the condition at any time. The Board found no competent evidence linking current prostate disorders to his military service or herbicide exposure. For PTSD, the Board noted that there were no clear and convincing evidence to contradict the claimed stressors related to fear of hostile military activity in Vietnam.