PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, was incurred in service due to stressors he experienced during his military service in Vietnam.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to May 23, 2008, for the grant of service connection for PTSD was denied. The earliest possible effective date is April 15, 2005, when the Veteran initially filed his claim.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is not service connected as it is not due to a disease or injury incurred in or aggravated by active service, nor is it proximately due to or the result of a service-connected disability. The claim for special monthly compensation based on loss of use of a creative organ must be denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is manifested by occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent evaluation.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his anxiety disorder (claimed as PTSD) was granted, with an effective date of July 3, 2008. His service connection for bilateral pes planus remains unresolved.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than June 16, 2007 for the grant of service connection for PTSD was denied. The Board found that the appropriate effective date is the date entitlement arose, which was later than the date of receipt of the claim.

The Board denied service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, finding that the Veteran's statements regarding in-service stressors were inconsistent and not credible.

The Board found that the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and alcohol/substance abuse were not substantiated due to lack of credible supporting evidence of claimed stressors, and he was diagnosed with an antisocial personality disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unemployable, and the Board has granted a TDIU based on this finding.

The Veteran's service-connected chronic adjustment disorder (claimed as PTSD) is currently rated at 70 percent disabling, effective March 5, 2008. The rating reflects occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas due to symptoms such as trouble sleeping, problems sweating, re-experiencing traumatic events, social detachment, difficulty concentrating and thinking, and a Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) score ranging from 51 to 65.

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 50 percent for his service-connected PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA outpatient treatment records and Social Security Administration disability benefits information.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the Veteran's current psychiatric condition and its relationship to his military service. The case will be returned to the RO for further action.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination and additional development of records, including Social Security Administration (SSA) records.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain another VA examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's PTSD claim, as well as updated treatment records from the Biloxi VAMC. The headaches claim will also be remanded for issuance of a statement of the case.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, to include PTSD and major depression, began as a result of combat-related service and have continued since. The Board finds that the Veteran has established service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including a VA examination to determine if his alcohol and drug dependence are secondary to his PTSD. The TDIU claim is also inextricably intertwined with the PTSD rating issue.

The Board found that there is no evidence corroborating the Veteran's claimed stressor during active service, and thus denied his claim for service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently evaluated as 10 percent disabling, and the Board finds that a higher evaluation is not warranted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a Travel Board hearing. The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD remains pending.

The Veteran's PTSD is found to be related to his military service, and he is granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD. The lumbar spine disability is not linked to his military service.