PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination to assess his PTSD severity and its impact on employment.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining relevant medical records and ensuring proper consideration of his Social Security Administration disability benefits.

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in the Veteran's service records and need for additional evidence, including SSA disability records. The appeal will be reconsidered with consideration of new regulations regarding PTSD and ischemic heart disease.

The Board found that service-connected PTSD and residuals of a shell fragment wound to the right thigh did not cause or contribute substantially to the Veteran's death from cardiovascular disabilities. The expert opinion concluded there was less than a 50% chance that these conditions caused or aggravated his fatal cardiac conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and dysthymic disorder is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination, updated medical records, and further development of his claims.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for PTSD was denied as there was no new and material evidence submitted to reopen the previously denied claims of service connection for headaches, allergies, and a skin disorder. The RO granted service connection for PTSD with an effective date of February 28, 2007.

The Board found that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his in-service stressor involving seeing a nearly severed head fall back and hit him, which resulted from moving a body bag. The evidence supports this finding with corroborated stressor reports.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for PTSD was dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has determined that additional information and evidence are needed to fully adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including clarification of his service dates and records from National Guard/Reserve units. The Veteran is also required to provide authorization for VA to obtain private treatment records.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has continued this evaluation. The combined rating for his service-connected PTSD and esophagus/stomach disability remains at 70 percent.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD did not contribute to his death from lung cancer, and thus denied the claim for cause of death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is at least 50% likely to be due to military sexual trauma (MST) events during service and has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional treatment records. The Veteran seeks an increased disability evaluation for his PTSD.

The Veteran's depressive and anxiety disorder, not otherwise specified, was incurred in service. The Board granted the claim for this condition but denied it for PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for dysthymic disorder with PTSD is denied as her symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at the highest possible level of disability, with a rating of 70 percent. The left knee ACL tear and menisci tears are each rated at their maximum levels (20% for ACL tear and 10% for menisci tears). CFS is also rated at its maximum level (40%).

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected as it was incurred during his active duty.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of service connection for psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD. The Veteran's accounts of stressor events in service will be evaluated to determine their credibility and whether they are corroborated by evidence. Additionally, the relationship between any diagnosed psychiatric disabilities and service will be assessed.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent prior to April 20, 2004. The Board also found that the Veteran meets criteria for a TDIU due to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has determined that the appellant's current psychiatric disability, including PTSD with schizoaffective disorder, depression, and psychosis, had its inception during his period of active duty. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is granted.