PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2012

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his service in Vietnam, and thus grants service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional notice and further evidentiary development.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a left shoulder disorder due to his Merchant Marine service not qualifying as active military service. The Board also found that new and material evidence had been received to reopen the claim of service connection for an innocently acquired psychiatric disorder, but remanded for further development including obtaining VA treatment records.

The Veteran's service connection claim for residuals of a sternoclavicular sprain is granted. The Board finds that the Veteran has provided credible evidence to establish continuity of symptoms since service and current disability, warranting service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule a videoconference hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals. The issues include service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, alcohol abuse, and reopening a claim for polycythemia vera.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and a VA examination to determine whether she has PTSD and if her hypertension is secondary to her service-connected low back disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to inadequate reasons and bases for denying his claim of entitlement to an initial rating higher than 30 percent for PTSD. The Board will need to reevaluate the severity of his PTSD and obtain updated medical records.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have most nearly approximated occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas throughout the appeal period, warranting a 70 percent rating.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 50 percent prior to November 19, 2008 and in excess of 70 percent thereafter until August 17, 2009 for PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal regarding an increased rating for PTSD with depressive disorder and dysthymia has been dismissed as the appellant wishes to withdraw his claim.

The Board has granted the Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD, finding that his fear of hostile military or terrorist activity during his service in Beirut, Lebanon is sufficient to establish a stressor. The other issues on appeal remain pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to a sexual assault he experienced during service, and thus grants service connection for PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does have a psychiatric disability, specifically PTSD and Major Depression. The claim is granted as new evidence supports reopening of the claim.

The Board granted a 50 percent disability rating for the appellant's service-connected PTSD, effective from April 2010. The claim is now seeking an evaluation in excess of this initial grant.

The Veteran does not have an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, due to disease or injury which was incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, chronic musculotendon tightness in the low back and right groin, a right ankle disability, a left ankle disability, and hallux limitus of the left foot have been denied as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions. The Veteran has not provided evidence that his current disabilities are related to service.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary prior to the adjudication of these claims due to the need for a VA examination in order to assess the Veteran's claimed conditions and determine their relationship to his service.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent effective August 23, 2007. The appeal for higher ratings and earlier effective dates is denied.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected PTSD has been granted. The remaining issues of increased rating and temporary total evaluations are being remanded.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for the claims of service connection for type 2 diabetes mellitus, residuals of a stroke, and prostate cancer prior to the Board's decision.