PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2009

The case is remanded for additional development, specifically to obtain a new opinion regarding the relationship between in-service symptoms of anxiety and any current psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD is manifested by occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks (although generally functioning satisfactorily, with routine behavior, self-care, and conversation normal). The criteria for an initial disability rating higher than 30 percent have not been met.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to April 19, 1988, and granted an earlier effective date of April 19, 1988.

The veteran's PTSD is manifested by impairment that most nearly approximates occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks, which does not warrant a rating higher than 30 percent. The veteran's only service-connected disability, PTSD, is not sufficient by itself to preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and industrial background.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD, and also denied initial compensable evaluations for right calf scar and left knee scar.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board found that this rating accurately reflects the severity of his condition.

The appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining vocational rehabilitation records and VA treatment records from November 2007 to the present.

The Board denied the Veteran's application to reopen a claim for service connection for PTSD, as new and material evidence was not received.

The Veteran failed to report for scheduled VA examinations, and his claim for an increased rating for PTSD was denied on the basis of failure to report.

The Board granted service connection for PTSD and gastroduodenitis, but denied service connection for a back disability, chronic respiratory disorder, insomnia, and an increased rating for diabetes mellitus.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD is characterized by suicidal thoughts, severe social impairment, near-continuous depression, and an inability to establish and maintain effective relationships. The Board finds that the evidence more nearly approximates a 70 percent rating.

The veteran's PTSD has been productive of symptoms causing occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a rating of 50 percent.

The Board denied increased ratings for PTSD, right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy/radiculopathy as the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The Board granted service connection for PTSD and depression, but denied service connection for a sleep disorder and joint pains.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent prior to April 22, 2008, and increased to 50 percent from that date. No initial compensable rating was granted for diabetic retinopathy and cataracts.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD, and service connection for GERD and erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability, primarily manifested by occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas due to symptoms such as suicidal ideation, near-continuous panic attacks, anxiety, impaired impulse control, hypervigilance, anger and irritability, difficulty adapting to stressful circumstances, and an inability to establish effective relationships, is granted a 70 percent evaluation.

The Board found that the preponderance of the evidence is against service connection for diabetes mellitus, including as due to herbicide exposure. The Veteran's current diagnosis does not have a demonstrated relationship to his active duty service.

The Board granted service connection for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the evidence was in relative equipoise regarding their likely noise-induced etiology during active service.

The veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD and COPD was remanded to schedule a videoconference hearing.