PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2010

The Veteran's PTSD is characterized by persistent symptoms and has rendered him unable to maintain employment. As of December 12, 2008, the Veteran meets criteria for a 70 percent disability rating for PTSD and TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since September 22, 2006. The Board found that the symptoms did not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available. The Board has determined that this rating adequately reflects the severity of his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, the maximum schedular rating for this condition. The Board has granted a grant of service connection and an initial rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD claim has been reopened, but additional development is needed. His peripheral neuropathy claims are also remanded for further evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since November 2, 2005. The Board found that the symptoms of PTSD have not resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for a 100 percent rating for PTSD with dementia and headaches was denied. The issue of his competency for direct receipt of VA benefits was withdrawn.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected PTSD is being remanded to allow for the review of additional VA treatment records and a comprehensive psychiatric examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD due to a lack of credible supporting evidence of an in-service stressor. The Veteran did not serve in combat and there is no verified stressor related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to January 13, 2000 for the grant of service connection for PTSD is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, meeting the schedular rating requirements for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and fibromyalgia are found to be related to service, while his PTSD is rated at 50 percent disabling. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also granted.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to April 9, 2008 for the grant of service connection for PTSD with depression and anxiety is granted.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD is granted as his reported experiences during the Korean Conflict are consistent with his diagnosis of PTSD.

The Board has restored service connection for PTSD and denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, as well as hypertension. The decision found that the evidence did not establish clear and unmistakable error in granting service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD results in moderate disability, but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it does not cause occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including a VA examination to assess his employability due to service-connected PTSD.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD due to new and material evidence provided since the last final denial. The case is now remanded for a VA psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and examination to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD based on fear of hostile military activity in the Persian Gulf. The claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction as secondary to an acquired psychiatric disability will be held in abeyance pending adjudication of the psychiatric claims.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination to determine the diagnoses of all current psychiatric disorders.