PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2010

The Veteran's service connection claims for PTSD, an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, a left hip disorder, and a low back disorder are all granted. The claims for numbness of the hands and feet are denied.

The Veteran's PTSD has been productive of total occupational and social impairment since February 27, 2008. Therefore, a 100 percent disability rating is granted for this period.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an effective date earlier than July 22, 2002 for a higher rating of PTSD and TDIU prior to that date. The decision found it not factually ascertainable whether there was an increase in disability due to PTSD within one year before the claim.

The Veteran's PTSD is manifested by total occupational and nearly total social impairment, warranting a 100 percent disability rating. As a result of this decision, the claim for TDIU is moot.

The Board found that there is no competent medical evidence establishing a diagnosis of PTSD or depression, nor was a psychosis shown within one year of separation from service. The weight of the competent medical evidence is against a finding that a psychiatric disorder is currently shown.

The Veteran's PTSD was initially rated at 30 percent prior to May 3, 2006. The rating was increased to 50 percent effective May 3, 2006 and further increased to 70 percent effective August 8, 2009. No higher ratings are granted.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD and other related conditions, is granted. The Board found that the evidence was at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran has these diagnoses based on reported in-service stressors consistent with his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is associated with in-service sexual assault and harassment, and service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's reported stressor of being in a combat situation during his Vietnam service is supported by credible evidence. The Veteran also meets the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD and there is a link between his current symptoms and this verified stressor.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his service in Italy, where he decoded emergency action messages. The claim for service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, effective from June 2003. The Board has also granted a TDIU based on the severity of his PTSD and diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for the issues of entitlement to an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for PTSD and major depression, entitlement to service connection for a low back disorder, and entitlement to an increased rating greater than 50 percent for PTSD on and after October 5, 2007.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas as of October 26, 2004. The appeal was granted for a rating of 70 percent for PTSD.

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

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied as there is no diagnosis of PTSD and the in-service stressor could not be verified.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and multiple physical conditions, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to procedural issues, including the failure to schedule a hearing. The claims for PTSD, herniated disc of the lumbar spine, and hypertension are still pending.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and review of records.

The Veteran's PTSD was initially evaluated as 10% from July 12, 2005 to March 24, 2009. Since March 25, 2009, the evaluation has been increased to 50%. The effective date remains July 12, 2007.