PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2010

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling examinations to assess the severity of her service-connected psychiatric conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, reflecting occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need to evaluate new evidence, including a December 2009 VA examination report and an April 2010 VA examiner's addendum.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's diagnosed psychiatric disorders are related to service.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, the highest schedular rating available. The RO has granted a higher evaluation based on total occupational and social impairment due to PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD was incurred in service, resolving all reasonable doubt in his favor.

The Board found that an effective date earlier than July 2, 1991 for a 100% schedular rating for PTSD or for a TDIU is not warranted.

The VA has granted a 30 percent evaluation for PTSD prior to November 20, 2009 and a 50 percent evaluation from that date. The appellant's appeal is continued.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, which is a direct link between the Veteran's in-service stressors and his current psychiatric disability. The appeals for back disability and migraines have been withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent disabling, effective August 22, 2008. The claim for a higher initial rating for PTSD prior to this date remains pending.

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

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the Board does not have jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of his claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including as secondary to peptic ulcer disease is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Veteran's PTSD has been manifested by occupational and social impairment due to moderate symptoms, but does not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.

The Veteran's need for special monthly compensation based on a need for regular aid and attendance or on housebound status is denied as his service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for further development, including attempting to corroborate the Veteran's claimed stressors and scheduling a VA PTSD examination if any are found to be corroborated.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, hearing loss, traumatic amputation of the right thumb, hypertension, and tinnitus, preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment. The Board finds that he is entitled to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for a VA examination. The issues include seeking an increased disability rating for PTSD and determining whether the Veteran is unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. The Veteran's statements regarding in-service stressors have not established a valid PTSD diagnosis.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, the maximum schedular rating for this condition. The evidence does not support a higher rating as there are no indications of intermittent illogical or obscure speech, near-continuous depression affecting ability to function independently, appropriately and effectively, spatial disorientation, neglect of personal appearance and hygiene, or difficulty adapting to stressful circumstances.