PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the VA RO for further development, including a new examination and consideration of his claim for TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has been shown to be manifested by symptoms such as depression, nightmares, avoidance of activities and people, diminished interest, or participation in significant activities, feelings of detachment from others, irritability, difficulty concentrating, memory impairment, disturbances of motivation and mood, blunted affect, and GAF scores ranging from 50 to 55. The Veteran's PTSD demonstrates occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, anxiety disorder, and depressive disorder, are related to his active service.

The Board has remanded the case for further proceedings consistent with a Memorandum Decision, including obtaining additional evidence and notifying the Veteran of his rights to submit alternative sources of evidence to corroborate his stressor.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as her conditions did not manifest during active duty or to a compensable degree within the presumptive period.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found that the Veteran has PTSD secondary to a personal assault, but did not find evidence of current disabilities related to low back disorder, osteoarthritis of the hands, or respiratory disorder. Service connection was also denied for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the evidence supports a link between the Veteran's military service and his current condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain missing VA medical records and potentially arrange for a new VA examination. The claim remains on hold until all necessary actions are completed.

The Veteran's PTSD with Major Depressive Disorder has been rated at 50 percent since June 20, 2006.

The Veteran's PTSD causes occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking or mood; there is no evidence of total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent for the period from August 12, 2005 to December 19, 2007. For the period after December 20, 2007, a higher rating of 70 percent is granted.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability was granted service connection and an initial rating of 70 percent for his PTSD, with no higher. The Board found that the evidence supported a finding of in-service injury to the right shoulder and continuity of symptoms since then.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA psychiatric examination to determine if the Veteran meets the DSM criteria for PTSD and whether there is a link between current symptoms and in-service stressors. Additional clinical records are also needed.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, are related to his military service. The case is being remanded for a VA examination and review of records.

The Veteran's claims for increased PTSD rating and TDIU have been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 10 percent prior to November 7, 1996. The symptoms were mild and did not significantly impair his social or industrial functioning.

The Board has determined that the evidence received since the October 1996 rating decision is not new and material, thus denying the Veteran's attempt to reopen his claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD.

The Board has reopened several claims, including service connection for a blood disorder, boils, and psychiatric disorders (PTSD) as well as skin condition and lymphedema. The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of the scar residual of shrapnel fragment wounds of the right thigh remains unchanged.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of recent VA treatment records. The issue of an increased rating for PTSD remains on appeal.

The Veteran's current sleep apnea disorder is related to his military service, and the Board grants the claim of service connection for sleep apnea. The issues of an increased rating for PTSD and TDIU are remanded.