PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2010

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has been continuously rated at 70 percent since the effective date of service connection on November 6, 2006.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the Veteran not reporting for a scheduled hearing. The case will be handled by scheduling another personal hearing at the Houston RO.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent, reflecting occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's appeal involves two separate issues regarding his PTSD rating. The first issue is for a higher initial rating of 50 percent for PTSD from September 21, 2005 to July 25, 2007. The second issue is for a higher initial rating of 70 percent for PTSD beginning on July 26, 2007. The appeal is currently in a 'mixed' disposition as some issues have been granted and others not.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a Board video-conference hearing.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to a rating in excess of 70 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is being remanded due to the receipt of additional evidence. The case will be readjudicated by the RO, and an SSOC will be provided.

The Veteran's appeal includes two issues: whether there was clear and unmistakable error in a rating decision denying service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder, and the request for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection. The case is being remanded to allow these claims to be properly addressed.

The Veteran's PTSD is manifested by significant occupational and social impairment, including difficulty with work, family relations, and mood. The Board has determined that a 70 percent rating is warranted for the Veteran's service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have effectively precluded locomotion without the aid of a cane or motorized wheelchair, meeting the criteria for specially adapted housing assistance.

The Veteran's PTSD is manifested by moderate symptoms including social impairment, depressed mood, anxiety, suspiciousness, and chronic sleep impairment. The Board finds that the criteria for a disability rating of 30 percent for the Veteran's service-connected PTSD have been met.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a neurological disorder due to exposure to herbicides has been denied. The Board found new and material evidence, but the condition was not first manifest in service or within one year of separation from active duty. The Veteran's PTSD is productive of occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at the highest possible level (100%), which renders moot his claim for a TDIU as it no longer meets the criteria for such a rating.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD was found to not meet the criteria for a higher initial rating in excess of 50 percent or 70 percent during the specified periods.

The Veteran's claims for chronic pain and muscle pain have been denied as there is no evidence of a current disability, or any nexus to service or service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient verification of claimed combat stressors and a need for further examination to determine if PTSD is related to service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to verify the Veteran's claimed stressors and determine if he engaged in combat, or any verified stressor meets the DSM-IV criteria for PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including efforts to corroborate stressor events and a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD must be remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding exposure to an in-service stressor and a current diagnosis of PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD has been productive of occupational and social impairment, with deficiencies in most areas, but the symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for malaria was denied as there is no evidence of current diagnosis or treatment for the disease. The claims for COPD and PTSD were not addressed due to the remand.