PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2009

The Veteran's combined evaluation for his service-connected disabilities is currently at 90 percent, and he is not entitled to a higher combined evaluation.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, but the Board finds that an evaluation in excess of this rating is not warranted based on his symptoms.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, effective September 6, 2005. The evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected conversion reaction with PTSD and depression was granted a 10 percent rating effective from March 9, 1998. The Veteran's sling palsy of the left arm received a 20 percent rating effective from April 23, 1999.

The Board has granted a 70 percent rating for posttraumatic stress disorder since July 24, 2003, based on the severity of symptoms and occupational/social impairment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran engaged in combat with the enemy during his service and therefore his lay testimony is sufficient to establish his stressors. The VA examination supports a relationship between the Veteran's current PTSD symptomatology and his Persian Gulf War service, resulting in service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder was reopened due to the submission of new evidence showing a current diagnosis of dysthymia with PTSD traits.,The claims for service connection for hypertension and hepatitis C were not reopened as the submitted evidence did not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate these claims.

The Veteran's appeal was initially denied for service connection for PTSD and major depression. However, the RO granted service connection for a conversion reaction with PTSD and major depression in 2003, effective from June 8, 1976. The Veteran appealed this decision, but the Board vacated it due to procedural issues.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and a back disability, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his in-service injuries.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to worsening PTSD symptoms and the need for a new VA examination.

The Board found that the Veteran did not timely file a Substantive Appeal regarding his claim to reopen service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder. The matter of entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and initial ratings have been denied. The Board found no evidence of a chronic right knee disability, ulcers, or PTSD due to personal assault. The Veteran's hemorrhoids are not manifested by persistent bleeding, anemia, fissures, nor are they large or thrombotic.

The Veteran's PTSD was found to be moderate in severity, with GAF scores ranging from 45 to 52. The Board determined that the evidence did not show occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board finds that this rating adequately reflects his disability picture.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied. The initial rating of 50 percent for depression, effective February 3, 2006, is granted. However, the appeal for a higher rating for depression after May 18, 2007, remains pending.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent, the highest schedular rating available. The Board also granted a TDIU based on his service-connected PTSD.

For the period from October 27, 2005, to September 13, 2007, the Veteran's PTSD was rated at 70 percent due to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to outstanding private medical records and the need for proper VCAA notification.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and a skin disorder, finding that new and material evidence has been submitted. The claims are now pending before the RO.