PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records and conduct a VA examination for his PTSD. The issues of service connection for hypertension as secondary to PTSD and entitlement to TDIU are also being remanded.

The Board found that there was no evidence of a psychiatric disability in service or within one year post-service, and the Veteran's current psychiatric condition is not related to her military service.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for PTSD and granted it, finding that new evidence received since the last denial relates to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim (the occurrence of a stressor during service). The Veteran's fear of hostile military activity in Vietnam is accepted as sufficient proof of such a stressor.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since the initial grant of service connection, and a higher rating is not warranted based on current symptomatology.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, the highest available rating under the criteria for mental disorders. The evidence supports this higher rating based on significant occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected PTSD has been withdrawn, and the Board does not have jurisdiction to consider it.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD. The Veteran's other issues regarding increased ratings and service connection are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted service connection and assigned an initial disability rating of 50 percent, effective September 7, 2006.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent, reflecting moderate impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Board found that the reduction of disability compensation benefits to 10 percent, effective March [redacted], 2006, due to incarceration for a felony conviction was proper.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to verify the Veteran's claimed in-service stressors and to determine if he currently has a diagnosis of PTSD related to his military service. The case will be remanded for these purposes.

The Veteran's PTSD disability has been manifested by total occupational and nearly total social impairment throughout the entire period on appeal, warranting a 100 percent rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on a need for aid and attendance or housebound status due to his non-service-connected conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was not caused by his service-connected conditions, including PTSD.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection and a 70 percent disability rating for PTSD with MDD was granted. The claim for TDIU is moot due to the grant of a total disability evaluation.

The Board has granted the Veteran's application to reopen his claims for PTSD and determined that service connection is now warranted. The issues of entitlement to service connection for a skin disorder, joint pain, CFS, right hand disorder, left hand disorder, and chronic sleep apnea are being remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 50% rating for PTSD was denied as there is no legal basis to award such an effective date.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection for PTSD was denied as there was no formal or informal claim filed prior to July 17, 2008.

The Board has reviewed the Veteran's claims and determined that new evidence received since the prior denial does not establish service connection for any of his claimed conditions. The evidence is insufficient to support a finding of an undiagnosed illness or chronic multisymptom illness.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected as it was incurred during his military service, with resolution of all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.