PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2010

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since May 11, 1993. The Board granted a TDIU effective from May 11, 1993.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and bilateral onychomycosis do not warrant higher ratings. The decision also grants an effective date prior to February 5, 2003 for service connection of diabetic retinopathy.

The Board has ordered a VA examination to determine the current nature of the Veteran's PTSD and bipolar disorder, as well as whether these conditions are related to his military service. The case is returned to the RO for further development.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since August 28, 2002. The Board found that from April 7, 1994 to August 27, 2002, the condition rendered him with definite social and industrial impairment. From August 28, 2002, he is now rated at 100 percent due to his demonstrable inability to obtain or retain employment.

The Board has found that the Veteran's PTSD symptomatology more nearly approximates that required for a 50 percent disability rating, granting an initial disability rating of 50 percent for PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD is being remanded due to the need to obtain and associate VA outpatient mental health records, provide a new VA examination, and complete other instructions.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since September 27, 2004. The Board found that the condition has not met criteria for a higher evaluation during this period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hepatitis C and PTSD claims are denied as there is no evidence to support a service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed because he did not file a timely substantive appeal to the November 2002 RO decision that denied service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical care for psychiatric symptoms on July 11, 2005 was not authorized in advance and did not meet the criteria for emergency treatment. The Board found his statements regarding the purpose of the treatment to be uncredible.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. The evidence submitted since the previous denial shows that the Veteran has been diagnosed with PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded to obtain additional medical records, verify reported stressors, and determine the nature of his current conditions. The VA will also provide a mental disorders examination and assess whether his diagnosed conditions are related to service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining records and attempting to corroborate the Veteran's reported in-service stressor of domestic abuse by her former spouse.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is manifested by mild symptoms, including impairment in sleep with nightmares and hypervigilance. The Board finds that the disability does not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and evaluations. The issues of whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen claims for service connection for a low back disorder, an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, and a neck disorder remain pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining Vet Center records and VA treatment records. The case will be adjudicated again to determine the appropriate rating for posttraumatic stress disorder and whether a total disability rating based on individual unemployability should be granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining treatment records from the Naval Brig and court martial trial records. The appellant's claim to reopen his service connection claims will be reconsidered.

The Board has granted service connection for a right shoulder disability and an increased rating of 50 percent for PTSD, effective from December 6, 2008. The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent before that date.

The Veteran's PTSD has been characterized by total occupational and social impairment due to symptoms such as grossly inappropriate behavior, gross impairment in thought processes and communication. The Board granted a 100 percent evaluation for PTSD effective from January 12, 2001.