PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as anxiety and PTSD. The evidence presented is sufficient to establish a causal relationship between his military service and his current condition.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a psychiatric examination to determine if the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders are related to his active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety disorder and PTSD, is granted based on a verified in-service stressor of experiencing mortar and rocket attacks during his time stationed at Ton Son Nhut Air Base in Vietnam. The diagnosis of PTSD was not confirmed due to lack of symptoms meeting full diagnostic criteria, but the Veteran's current constellation of symptoms are suggestive of PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent prior to July 1, 2010 and later granted a 70 percent rating effective from July 1, 2010.

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 50 percent for PTSD was denied, as his PTSD is manifested by anxiety, depression and sleep impairment without evidence of suicidal ideation, panic attacks or obsessional rituals. The Veteran has work experience but the service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from engaging in employment consistent with his education and occupational experience.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since January 21, 2005. The rating was increased to 100 percent from August 15, 2007, to October 1, 2007.

The Veteran was granted service connection for PTSD and migraine headaches. His PTSD is linked to in-service stressors, while his migraine headaches are found to have been aggravated by active duty.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD is service-connected as it is related to his in-service motor vehicle accident, which constitutes a verified stressor.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in reduced reliability and productivity, but did not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The initial rating of 50 percent was granted prior to July 16, 2007.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, a skin disorder (claimed as jungle rot), and a low back disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional development including proper VCAA notice, updated treatment records, and VA examinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD, finding that no additional action was required based on the submitted records.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, the maximum schedular rating available. The Board found that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they are severe but do not result in total occupational and social impairment.

The Board found no evidence linking the Veteran's current hearing loss, tinnitus, psychiatric disorder, heart disease, stroke, seizures, cold injuries to service or any specific exposure. The Veteran's assertions were not credible and his claims for these conditions were denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD has not been reopened. The claim for hepatitis C is established as the disease was caused by in-service and post-service intravenous drug use. The right knee disability rating remains denied.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 70 percent effective February 2, 2005, and a TDIU was granted effective the same date.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran did not meet the diagnostic criteria for a current diagnosis of PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and to schedule her for a VA examination. The claims will be returned to the Board only if she perfects her appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, which is found to be proximately due to or the result of his service-connected right and left knee disabilities. The Veteran's neck disorder and arthritis are also found to be secondary to his service-connected right and left knee disabilities.