PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran is seeking an increased disability rating for his service-connected PTSD. The Board has determined that additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and VA/privately held treatment records, is necessary before the claim can be decided.

The Board has reopened the claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD and granted service connection. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, is also granted.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder has resulted in significant social and occupational impairment, warranting a 50% rating.

The Board found that the award of service connection for PTSD with anxiety, sleep disturbances, and chemical dependency was not clearly and unmistakably erroneous. Therefore, it restored service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and a new VA examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD, residuals of a stroke, and a low spine disability. The claim for residuals of a stroke was not substantiated as it did not manifest during service or within one year after separation from service.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent, reflecting occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for the residuals of malaria has been withdrawn, and therefore no further action will be taken on this issue.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia and PTSD, did not meet the criteria for service connection due to lack of evidence showing onset during or within one year after service.

The VA determined that there is no evidence to support the Veteran's claim of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, a cognitive disorder, a schizoaffective disorder, and a psychotic disorder, not otherwise specified, being related to his active duty service.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, were not incurred or aggravated by service. The in-service stressors were verified but no current Axis I psychiatric disability was noted during service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and her service-connected psychiatric disorders are not related to military service. The hearing loss claim is also denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional examinations and records, particularly regarding his PTSD and seizure disorder. The TDIU claim is also inextricably intertwined with these issues.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to care for his daily needs without requiring the regular aid and attendance of another person, warranting special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board found that there is no credible supporting evidence of a verified stressor event and no current diagnosis of PTSD in accordance with the DSM-IV. As such, service connection for PTSD was denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting a VA examination. The issues are service connection for PTSD and non-PTSD psychiatric disorders.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to her failure to appear for VA examinations and to obtain relevant service treatment records, as well as any outstanding private and VA treatment records. The Veteran is also scheduled for a VA psychiatric examination to determine whether she meets the diagnostic criteria for PTSD under the DSM-IV and if it is related to military service, including two alleged rape incidents in service. A gynecological examination will be conducted to determine if her gynecological disorders are related to military service.

The Board has determined that the evidence is insufficient to verify the Veteran's claimed stressors and remands the case for further development.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent prior to April 20, 2009 and increased to 70 percent thereafter. The claim for an increased rating remains viable as a higher rating is available. For the period prior to April 20, 2009, the Veteran met criteria for TDIU due to PTSD; however, from that date forward, he did not meet the criteria.

The Veteran's PTSD is service connected due to credible reports of combat exposure. Service connection for bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities is denied as there is no evidence that these conditions are related to service, including exposure to herbicide agents.