PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Board determined that new and material evidence had been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss, which was subsequently granted.,Service connection for PTSD was established based on credible lay testimony of in-service stressors.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent prior to April 8, 2010. The Board granted a higher rating of 70 percent effective from that date.

The Veteran's service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that this rating adequately reflects his current level of disability.

The Board has determined that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran has PTSD and depressive disorder incurred during service, including from exposure to traumatic events involving dead and injured soldiers in Saudi Arabia. Service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Veteran's prostate cancer is rated at 100 percent, and his remaining service-connected disabilities have a combined disability rating of at least 60 percent. Therefore, the claim for a TDIU prior to October 19, 2010 is dismissed as moot.

The Veteran's claim for higher SMC based on the need for aid and attendance has been denied as he does not meet the criteria for such benefits due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for psychiatric disabilities, including DID and PTSD. The evidence received since the June 2003 SOC raises a reasonable possibility of substantiating these claims.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since November 5, 2007. The symptoms include intrusive thoughts, nightmares, flashbacks, avoidance behavior, and difficulty concentrating.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, effective March 16, 2005.,The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied as his service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from engaging in substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus has been granted, and his PTSD is currently rated at the maximum allowable evaluation.

The Veteran is seeking a higher initial disability evaluation for his service-connected PTSD. The case has been remanded due to the need for additional examination and possible SSA records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea syndrome, bilateral hearing loss, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) have been denied. The evidence received since previous decisions does not provide a basis to reopen any of these claims.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for PTSD due to new and material evidence submitted by the Veteran. However, it was determined that the Veteran does not meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The initial compensable evaluation and increased rating claim for residuals of laceration scar over right eye was denied, as the scars do not meet criteria for a compensable evaluation. The claim for an increased evaluation for fracture at the distal head of the right fifth metacarpal (dominant) was also denied. Service connection for hypertension, secondary to herbicide exposure, and service connection for a right arm disorder were both denied. PTSD was granted as incurred in active military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA and non-VA treatment records, attempting to obtain SSA administrative decision(s), scheduling a VA examination, and providing appropriate VCAA notice.

The case is being remanded due to the Veteran's desire for a hearing and the need to issue an SOC on the service connection issues.

The Veteran's PTSD has been characterized by symptoms such as isolation, flashbacks, insomnia, panic attacks approximately 2-3 times per week and moderate to severe depression. The VA examiner found that these symptoms warrant a 50 percent rating for PTSD.

The evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran has PTSD as a result of exposure to rocket and mortar attacks during active military service, leading to a finding that PTSD was incurred in active service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient evidence regarding his service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD. The case is being returned for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is as likely as not related to a personal assault he experienced during service, and therefore grants service connection for PTSD.