PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2009

The VA has determined that the appellant's service-connected PTSD and conversion disorder are more disabling than his bilateral restless leg syndrome, which is currently rated as noncompensable. The appellant's total disability rating for compensation based on individual unemployability (TDIU) claim was denied due to the predominance of his psychiatric disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's reported stressors were not verified and did not support a diagnosis of PTSD. The evidence does not establish service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's impairment from his PTSD most nearly approximates occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, without deficiencies in most areas or total occupational and social impairment. The current rating of 50 percent is appropriate.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including verifying stressors and conducting a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine as secondary to a service-connected left knee disability.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently evaluated as 70 percent disabling, and the Board finds that a higher initial evaluation is not warranted.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 10 percent, the minimum rating available under the criteria for this disability.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for the issues of service connection for PTSD, status postoperative colon cancer, loss of teeth to include as due to exposure to Agent Orange, and an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus type II.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed in-service stressors cannot be verified, and thus service connection for PTSD is denied. However, the Veteran may still receive service connection for a psychiatric disorder related to his Vietnam service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD due to new and material evidence. The claim is granted as the evidence supports a diagnosis of PTSD related to in-service stressors, including sexual assault and work-related trauma.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals, effectively ending the appeal process.

The Veteran's PTSD was initially rated at 30 percent prior to April 3, 2008 and increased to 50 percent thereafter. The decision is mixed as it addresses both the initial rating claim and a subsequent increase in rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus was granted. Other claims were not addressed due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and an increased disability rating for his low back disability were denied. The low back disability was rated as 10 percent disabling, with separate ratings of 10 percent each for neurological manifestations affecting the right and left lower extremities.

The Board has determined that a proper substantive appeal was not filed regarding the October 3, 2005 rating decision. The Veteran's request for an earlier effective date and special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance is denied as there was no timely substantive appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected due to combat-related stressors, and his generalized anxiety disorder is not secondary to service-connected hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his military service, including his time in Vietnam and a personal assault. The Board granted service connection for PTSD based on the benefit of doubt rule.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a neuropsychological evaluation and obtaining VA treatment records. The issues of an initial increased rating for PTSD and TDIU are before the Board.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diagnosed PTSD is due to an in-service stressor, and thus service connection for PTSD is granted.

The VA has determined that the veteran's PTSD does not warrant a rating in excess of 30 percent prior to December 9, 2008.,From December 9, 2008, the VA has also determined that the veteran's PTSD does not warrant a rating in excess of 50 percent.