PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2010

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity for the period prior to June 6, 2007. For the period beginning on June 6, 2007, his PTSD caused significant impairment in most areas.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his service in the Persian Gulf and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent from January 17, 2007. His bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are both rated at the maximum allowed under their respective diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for a VA psychiatric examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. The issue of entitlement to TDIU will be considered in conjunction with the service connection claim.

The Board has granted the Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD and depression, finding that his symptoms are related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD was denied due to the mild nature of his symptoms, which do not meet the criteria for higher ratings. The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus was also denied as he has not been diagnosed with this condition.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable evaluation for internal hemorrhoids has been withdrawn. The issues of increased PTSD rating and TDIU are addressed in the REMAND portion.

The Veteran's skin disorder is rated at 10 percent disabling. The Veteran's PTSD results in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a 70 percent disability rating.

The Board finds that the Veteran's original claim for VA compensation benefits for PTSD was received by VA in August 2004, within one year of his discharge from service on June 22, 2004. Therefore, an earlier effective date of June 23, 2004 is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, the maximum schedular rating available. The evidence does not support a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has been granted a 50 percent evaluation, effective from August 24, 2007.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA medical records and arranging for a psychiatric examination to determine if the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders are related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, as well as Social Security Administration (SSA) records. The Veteran will also be scheduled for a VA examination to assess the current severity of her service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to in-service personal assault.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, the highest schedular rating available for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to determine whether the Veteran's service connection claim should be granted for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The development includes verifying the Veteran's claimed stressors and exposure in Vietnam.

The Board found that an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, was not incurred in or aggravated by military service and denied the claim.

The Veteran's claimed psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and a dysthymic disorder, were not incurred or aggravated by service. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability, consisting of bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder, has been rated at 50 percent since the filing of her claim. The VA examinations conducted during this period have consistently shown that her condition causes reduced reliability and productivity but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50% since April 21, 2008 and higher. His hiatal hernia remains at a 10% rating.