PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2012

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development of his claims, including obtaining VA and SSA records, arranging for a psychiatric examination to determine the nature and likely etiology of any psychiatric disability other than PTSD, and arranging for an appropriate examination of GERD.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 30 percent prior to January 26, 2011 and increased to 50 percent thereafter. The right arm disability remains at a 10 percent rating.,PTSD symptoms include nightmares, sleep disturbance, irritability, depression, and difficulty concentrating. Right arm disability includes some pain and soreness.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of his PTSD and an evaluation of whether he is unemployable due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an increased evaluation for PTSD before the Board could make a decision.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination and readjudication of his claims.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The issues of whether new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for a right shoulder disorder, and entitlement to an extension of a temporary total rating beyond June 1, 2009, are also addressed.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a current VA examination and additional treatment records.

Since the May 24, 2007 effective date of the award of service connection for PTSD, the Veteran's psychiatric symptoms have primarily included nightmares, weekly panic attacks, night sweats, intrusive thoughts, hypervigilance, exaggerated startle response, social withdrawal, mild impaired memory, sleep impairment, anger, sadness, fear, depression, low energy levels and helplessness; these symptoms are indicative of no greater than occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks (although generally functioning satisfactorily, with routine behavior, self-care, and conversation normal).

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to inconsistencies in the VA psychiatric examination report and incomplete opinions regarding service connection for hypertension, gastrointestinal disability, rheumatoid arthritis, erectile dysfunction, and sleep apnea.,Service connection for PTSD has been granted. The Veteran seeks an increased evaluation. Service connection for hypertension, gastrointestinal disability, rheumatoid arthritis, erectile dysfunction, and sleep apnea are also on appeal.,The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is associated with his gastrointestinal disability (GERD, hiatal hernia, irritable bowel syndrome). Service connection for these conditions is sought as secondary to the Veteran's PTSD. The Veteran seeks an increased evaluation for PTSD.,Service connection for hypertension and rheumatoid arthritis are denied. Service connection for erectile dysfunction and sleep apnea is also on appeal.,The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is associated with his gastrointestinal disability (GERD, hiatal hernia, irritable bowel syndrome). Service connection for these conditions is sought as secondary to the Veteran's PTSD. The Veteran seeks an increased evaluation for PTSD.,Service connection for hypertension and rheumatoid arthritis are denied. Service connection for erectile dysfunction and sleep apnea is also on appeal.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, degenerative joint disease of the bilateral shoulders and joints, and leukocytoclastic vasculitis have been granted. The Veteran is also entitled to a 10 percent rating for his leukocytoclastic vasculitis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his service, including in-service stressors such as rocket and mortar attacks during his time in Vietnam. As a result, the claim for service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since February 24, 2005. The RO granted service connection for PTSD and assigned a 30 percent rating in August 2005, which was increased to 50 percent in February 2006.

The Veteran was granted service connection for PTSD effective March 22, 2011. The earlier effective date claim is also granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a new VA examination to assess his PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and opinion regarding his claimed stressors.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, bilateral hearing loss, and a skin condition. Service connection is granted for diabetes mellitus with an effective date of January 30, 2002.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability and PTSD, finding that the Veteran did not engage in combat with the enemy and there is no credible supporting evidence of his claimed stressors. The current disabilities are not related to active duty service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing or retaining substantially gainful employment, and his current job as a welder does not qualify as marginal employment.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, are found to be so severe that they preclude him from engaging in substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU rating.

The Board finds that the appellant does not have a current psychiatric disability, including PTSD, that is causally related to his active service or any incident therein.