PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2005

The veteran's PTSD has resulted in total occupational and social impairment, warranting an initial evaluation of 100 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's appeals for higher evaluations for his PTSD, finding that there was no current diagnosis and that the symptoms did not meet criteria for a rating in excess of 30 percent from December 3, 1990 to April 14, 1999, or in excess of 50 percent from April 15, 1999 to December 1, 2004.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD and diabetes mellitus disabilities are found to be sufficient for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has granted a 100 percent evaluation for PTSD since October 1996, finding that the veteran's service-connected PTSD rendered him unemployable.

The veteran is entitled to a 50 percent evaluation for PTSD effective December 21, 2001.

The VA granted service connection for PTSD and assigned a 50 percent evaluation, effective March 2, 1992. The veteran appealed the initial rating.

The Board has granted a 100 percent disability rating for the veteran's service-connected PTSD, effective May 11, 2000.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral defective hearing and tinnitus, and denied an increased rating for the residuals of a shell fragment wound to the right forearm. The veteran's claim for PTSD was granted with a 50% evaluation.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluation of anxiety disorder with post-traumatic stress disorder and total disability rating based on individual unemployability are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD warrants a 70 percent evaluation for accrued benefits, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant, and thus the case is dismissed.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, thoracic outlet syndrome, low back pain syndrome, and hiatal hernia, precluded all substantially gainful employment for the period from September 5, 2000 to March 8, 2001. The Board granted entitlement to TDIU based on these service-connected disabilities.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD was manifested by occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent evaluation for the period from July 18, 2000 to June 16, 2002.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD warrants a 70 percent rating from August 10, 2000 to July 17, 2003; and a 70 percent rating from January 9, 2003 to March 3, 2003. The veteran's PTSD did not meet the criteria for higher ratings at other periods.

The VA has determined that the veteran's post-traumatic stress disorder is currently productive of considerable social and industrial impairment, but not more than what a 50% evaluation represents.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for PTSD and remanded the case for further development. The veteran's claim for hepatitis C remains pending.

The Board has determined that the veteran's reported in-service sexual assault is credible supporting evidence for her PTSD claim, and she meets the criteria for service connection based on new and material evidence.

The Board found that the veteran's PTSD does not meet the criteria for a higher rating, as it only results in reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining evidence related to a claimed sexual assault during service and providing the veteran with an examination for PTSD.

The Board dismissed the appeal as the veteran withdrew his appeal regarding PTSD. The issue of service connection for psychiatric disability other than PTSD, including bipolar disorder (which was denied by the Board in a decision dated in May 1998), remains unresolved.