PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been reopened and is now granted, with the diagnosis of PTSD related to his reported in-service stressors. Service connection for T-cell large granular lymphocytic leukemia, sinus disease, and gastroesophageal reflux disease remains denied.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced productivity, warranting a 50% evaluation prior to December 30, 2009. From that date, the evidence does not support an increase in disability rating.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent, the highest schedular rating available. The Board also found that his PTSD is so severe as to prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder are found to be related to his military service, including exposure to hostile military activity in Vietnam. The Board grants service connection for these conditions on a secondary basis.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for a new VA examination of his service-connected PTSD. The issues on appeal are whether he should receive a higher disability rating for PTSD and if he qualifies for TDIU.

The Veteran does not have PTSD and the preponderance of evidence shows that his current psychiatric conditions are not related to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and review of records.

The Veteran's service-connected lower back disability is not manifested by unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine, unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine, or intervertebral disc syndrome with incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least six weeks during the past 12 months. Therefore, his claim for higher ratings was denied.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for PTSD. The Veteran's current diagnosis of PTSD is supported by medical records, and his statements regarding in-service stressors have been corroborated through independent evidence. Therefore, the claim for service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus based on the Veteran's credible statements of in-service stressors and noise exposure. The diagnoses are supported by VA medical records and expert opinions.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted and assigned an initial evaluation of 30 percent, which was increased to 50 percent effective the date of service connection. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is rated at 40 percent disabling with separate ratings for peripheral neuropathy in both upper and lower extremities as well as erectile dysfunction. The low back disability is rated at 20 percent.

The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and therefore the claim for service connection for the cause of death is denied. The appellant does not meet the criteria for benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD due to lack of credible supporting evidence corroborating his alleged stressor events in service. The claim to reopen a psychiatric disability other than PTSD was also denied as new and material evidence had not been received.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent from November 1, 2004 until January 31, 2007 and increased to 50 percent thereafter. The bilateral hip disorders were each rated at 10 percent. The Veteran's lumbar spine condition was initially rated at 10 percent and later increased to 20 percent.

Service connection for PTSD with major depression was granted, effective from March 14, 2003.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing a VA examination to evaluate the Veteran's PTSD. The TDIU issue is also being addressed.

The Veteran's depression with PTSD is manifested by occupational and social impairment, resulting in a 50 percent evaluation.

The Board found that the Veteran does not currently have PTSD and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD and tinnitus are being remanded due to the need to verify his claimed stressors and determine if he has PTSD as a result of in-service experiences. The claim for service connection for tinnitus is also being remanded because it is intertwined with the PTSD claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his service, including combat experiences in Vietnam and fear of hostile military activity. As a result, the claim for service connection for PTSD is granted.