PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2010

The Veteran's asbestos-related lung disease with COPD has necessitated outpatient oxygen therapy since August 10, 2010. Prior to this date, the disability did not meet the criteria for a 60% or higher rating under DCs 6833 and 6604. The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70%, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and anxiety disorder. This includes obtaining additional VA medical records and scheduling the Veteran for an examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and an opportunity to submit a formal application. The examiner will assess whether his service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's appeal includes issues for PTSD, increased ratings for left sacroiliitis and left knee patellar tendonitis, and a compensable rating for bilateral pes planus. The case is being remanded to obtain additional evidence and conduct VA examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and other disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance, warranting SMC based on the need for aid and attendance. However, he does not meet the criteria for housebound status.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD based on new evidence and the Veteran's reported in-service stressors.

The Veteran's PTSD is manifested by flashbacks, depression, nightmares, anxiety, sleep impairment, and irritability. The Board has determined that the disability approximates the criteria for a 30 percent rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development to determine his employability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including verification of in-service stressors and obtaining SSA records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and PTSD. The Veteran was also denied a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an innocently acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records and Social Security Administration records.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since 1994, and was increased to 70 percent effective November 1, 2008. The Board finds that the evidence supports a 70 percent rating for PTSD as of November 1, 2008, due to severe social and occupational impairment.

The Veteran is found to be unemployable due to his service-connected PTSD, and the TDIU rating has been granted effective from July 2008.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 100 percent since July 1, 2002, due to total occupational and social impairment. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is service-connected as a result of in-service noise exposure during combat. Service connection for the Veteran's bladder disorder remains pending.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus due to a lack of verified in-service stressors. The Veteran did not engage in combat or provide credible supporting evidence for his claimed stressors.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent, and the appeal is denied as there is no evidence of more than occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The case is now remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine strain is rated at 40 percent since April 15, 2008. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating for this disability prior to April 15, 2008 or after that date. The Veteran also meets criteria for TDIU based on her service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for VA examinations to assess his service-connected disabilities.