PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2012

The Veteran's appeal for a higher initial rating for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and consideration of his recent treatment records. His claim for service connection for hypertension, which he withdrew during his hearing, remains dismissed.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete information and further examination is required. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and further development of stressor information.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new examination to assess the severity of his PTSD and its impact on employment. The issues of entitlement to a higher rating for PTSD and TDIU are also being addressed.

The Board has remanded the case for a more contemporaneous examination to assess the current severity of the service-connected PTSD and to adjudicate the claim for TDIU. The Veteran's appeal is now pending with the RO.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for the service-connected fistula disability was granted, with a 100% evaluation effective September 9, 2008. Service connection for PTSD was also granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed in-service stressors have not been corroborated by service records or other credible, supporting evidence and thus denied his claim for PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is due to a verified in-service stressor, specifically an assault by his drill instructor during basic training. As such, service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new psychiatric examination to assess whether any acquired psychiatric disorders are caused or aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected right foot disability.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder with PTSD features is characterized by occupational and social impairment, but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to verify the Veteran's claimed service stressors and any relevant records.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a psychiatric examination to determine if the Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities are related to her service and specifically to harassment during periods of Inactive Duty Training (IDT).

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, specifically PTSD, and for increased ratings for major depressive disorder were denied. The claim for TDIU remains pending.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is not etiologically related to his active service.

The Board denied an initial rating higher than 70 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder, but granted service connection for a thoracolumbar spine disability and an earlier effective date for the grant of a total disability compensation rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's PTSD is characterized by intrusive thoughts, nightmares, impaired impulse control including violence, anhedonia, depression, memory and concentration impairment, and poor interpersonal skills. The Board finds that the criteria for a 70 percent evaluation have been met.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and schizophrenia, were not shown to be incurred in or aggravated by service. The Board found that the claimed stressors are not supported by credible evidence.

The Veteran has been granted service connection for PTSD with depressive disorder, which is related to an in-service personal assault.

The Veteran's PTSD results in social isolation, a depressed mood, and heightened anger and irritability. The Board finds that the disability does not meet or approximate the criteria for a 70 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 9411.