PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2010

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD. This includes obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD with adjustment disorder is rated at 70% effective November 15, 2005. This rating reflects the most severe impairment in occupational and social functioning.

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

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for sleep apnea and Peyronie's Disease. The claim of entitlement to an evaluation in excess of 30 percent for PTSD is remanded due to a need for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent from April 26, 2004 to December 28, 2008.,Beginning December 29, 2008, the Veteran's PTSD warrants a rating greater than 50 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to verify stressor events and determine if service connection can be granted for PTSD and claustrophobia.

From August 15, 2003 to March 22, 2007, the Veteran's PTSD symptoms were manifested by chronic sleep impairment, nightmares, irritability, anger outbursts, constant anxiety, impaired insight, and an occasional decrease in work efficiency. From March 23, 2007, his PTSD has been manifesting with occupational and social impairment due to such symptoms as flashbacks, constant anxiety, frequent panic attacks, hypervigilance, anger, unprovoked irritability, an exaggerated startle response, suicidal ideations, social isolation, nightmares, and a GAF score range of 42 to 48. The Veteran's PTSD has been found to preclude gainful employment.

The Veteran's PTSD has not been shown to meet the criteria for a higher disability rating, as his symptoms have not resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board finds that the Veteran's participation in combat operations while serving with the Marine Corps in Vietnam in 1972 and 1973 led to his diagnosis of PTSD. Therefore, service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate notice regarding what evidence could be used to corroborate the Veteran's claim of a sexual assault in service, which is necessary for her PTSD claim.

Prior to November 16, 2009, the Veteran's PTSD with major depression and alcohol dependence resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.,From November 16, 2009, the Veteran's condition continued to result in severe occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a video conference hearing at the Winston-Salem VARO.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available. His coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus are not rated higher than their current levels.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for PTSD, and as a result, service connection is now warranted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for further development, including a psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was granted, and the effective date is set at February 21, 1997.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD because the evidence did not link her PTSD to her military service. New and material evidence has not been received.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks, warranting a 30 percent disability rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed stressor and the need for further development, including obtaining records from the National Archives and Records Administration and the U.S. Army and Joint Services Records Research Center.

The Veteran's PTSD is manifested by symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, sleep disturbance, and occasional panic attacks. The Board has determined that a 50 percent rating for PTSD is warranted.