PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2012

The Board has determined that the Veteran's allegations of in-service stressors lack sufficient credibility to be relied upon, absent independent corroboration (of which there is none), to support a diagnosis of PTSD. Therefore, service connection for PTSD cannot be granted.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since the award of service connection, reflecting occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent, effective from June 3, 2008. The Board found that the evidence supported a higher rating but did not grant one.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted an increased rating to 70 percent, effective from the date of the decision. The issue of TDIU remains pending.

The Board has granted service connection for Hepatitis C and found that the veteran's current condition is causally related to his military service. The issue of an initial rating beyond 30 percent prior to January 2010 and beyond 50 percent thereafter for PTSD is being remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including a new VA psychiatric examination to determine the exact nature of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder and its relationship to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional development of his claims file.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA outpatient treatment records and scheduling a VA mental disorders examination.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD and major depressive disorder. However, the case is being remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records and to schedule the Veteran for a VA mental disorders examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease, hypertension, PTSD, diabetes mellitus, and multiple knee conditions, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is rated at 70 percent effective October 14, 2010. The appeal period prior to this rating remains on hold.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD remains pending and the Board has remanded it to the RO for further development.

The Veteran's appeal for TDIU benefits is remanded due to inadequate examination reports and the need for additional treatment records. The case must be readjudicated after these actions.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent prior to March 6, 2008 and at 50 percent from March 6, 2008 to February 10, 2010. The Board found the evidence to be in equipoise as to whether the criteria for a 30 percent rating were met prior to March 6, 2008, but not after that date.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board finds that this rating adequately reflects his disability picture.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to incomplete stressor verification and need for a psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus with nephropathy, service connection for PTSD and bilateral hearing loss. The case is remanded to consider these issues on the merits and address any inextricably intertwined claim of hypertension secondary to diabetes mellitus.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for further examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorders, specifically PTSD. The Veteran is seeking service connection for these conditions based on in-service stressors.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and hepatitis have been denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or link to service. The claim for PTSD remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case due to additional evidence obtained and for a clarification of medical opinion regarding service connection for various psychiatric disorders.