PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2012

The Veteran's appeal is for an increased rating for PTSD. The Board previously denied a higher rating, but the Court has remanded the case back to the Board due to procedural issues.

The Board finds that the Veteran's claimed PTSD is not related to his service, and he has other diagnosed psychiatric conditions. The claim for service connection for PTSD was denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and depression, are related to his service. Service connection is granted.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining more specific details about the Veteran's claimed stressor event and attempting to corroborate it. The Veteran is also asked to provide any relevant treatment records from VA or private providers.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient VCAA notice and the need for a VA psychiatric examination regarding the Veteran's claimed personal assault in service. The Veteran is also requested to provide any additional evidence relating to his claimed personal assault.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD and dental disorders have been reopened, but service connection has not been established. The throat and sleep disorder claims remain unresolved.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for dental problems, a heart disorder, an acquired psychiatric disorder, and bilateral hearing loss. The appeals were based on direct service connection criteria.

The Veteran's PTSD has not caused total occupational and social impairment at any time during the pendency of his claim, thus he is not entitled to a rating in excess of 70 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, effective February 26, 2009. The VA examiner found the Veteran to have occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity due to symptoms such as nightmares, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, depression, irritability, hypervigilance, and social withdrawal.

The Veteran is appealing the initial evaluation for his PTSD, which was initially set at 30 percent and then reduced to 10 percent. The appeal is now limited to reviewing the current 10 percent evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, panic disorder, and depression, is being remanded due to the need for additional development of medical records and military records.

The Veteran's PTSD and right ankle disability were granted effective from November 4, 2004. The TDIU claim was granted with an effective date of April 14, 2003.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, effective February 14, 2005. The RO has not assigned an effective date for the other disabilities as they are part of a single claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence to decide whether the Veteran's posttraumatic stress disorder is related to in-service sexual trauma. Further development is needed.

The Veteran seeks service connection for various psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. The case is being remanded to obtain unit history and misconduct reports from Parris Island.

The Veteran's initial evaluation for PTSD was increased from 10 to 30 percent in September 2007, and then further increased to 50 percent effective December 10, 2002. The Board previously denied an evaluation in excess of 50 percent for his PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his representative, and the issues have therefore been dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a medical examination to determine the nature and etiology of any hearing loss, tinnitus, and psychiatric disabilities.

The Veteran's sleep disorder is considered part of his service-connected PTSD. The claims for higher ratings for migraine headaches, hypertension, and knee conditions are denied. The claim for TDIU is also denied.

The Veteran's claim for increased PTSD ratings was partially successful with a 70% evaluation being granted as of May 9, 2012. The claims for bilateral shoulder condition and residuals of left ankle injury (to include the left leg) were denied. Service connection for lower back condition was granted.