PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The case is being remanded to schedule the appellant for a hearing at the Winston-Salem, North Carolina RO before a Veterans Law Judge. The Veteran's claims for service connection for skin disorder and PTSD, as well as TDIU, are pending.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent prior to July 28, 2009 and increased to 70 percent from that date. The increase in rating is effective from the date of a VA examination on July 28, 2009.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including an examination by a VA psychiatrist or psychologist and potential corroboration of the Veteran's claimed stressors.

The Board has granted service connection for a right wrist disability and an initial rating of 30 percent for PTSD from January 7, 2005 through December 18, 2007. The Veteran's current right wrist condition is found to have onset in service or be related to his active military service. His PTSD symptoms are characterized by occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, depression and major depressive disorder, and sleep apnea as secondary to service-connected disabilities. The Veteran's claims for GERD are also addressed.

The Board has determined that the reduction of the Veteran's disability compensation to 10 percent due to his incarceration for a felony conviction was proper.

The Veteran's claim remains in appellate status as the RO has granted service connection for PTSD at 30 percent evaluation, effective March 20, 2006. The Veteran is seeking a higher rating for his PTSD.

The Veteran's psychiatric condition, including PTSD, depressive disorder, and bipolar disorder with alcohol abuse, is currently rated at 50 percent. The Board found that the impairment does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD has worsened, and further examination is needed to determine the current severity of his condition. Additionally, Social Security records related to his PTSD must be obtained.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain updated VA treatment records, conduct new medical examinations for emphysema and PTSD, and ensure all relevant evidence is considered in the claims file.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine if any current psychiatric disability was incurred or aggravated in service.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression is rated at 50 percent disabling, effective January 11, 2008.

The Board has determined that the effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD cannot be earlier than February 25, 2005 as there is no valid claim or evidence to support such a determination. The Veteran's claim was denied in September 2006 with an effective date set at February 25, 2005.

The Veteran's appeal for restoration of a 50% disability rating for PTSD was granted, and he is now rated at 50%. The issue of an increased rating to over 50% remains unresolved.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of a soft tissue injury of the left hand are manifested by intermittent tightness and aching, with no limitation of motion or ankylosis. He is not entitled to a compensable disability rating.,The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is manifested by difficulty sleeping, nightmares two to three times per week, exaggerated startle response, depressed mood, and avoidance of public places. The criteria for an initial disability rating in excess of 30 percent have not been met.

The Veteran's PTSD has been found to approximate total occupational and social impairment due to symptoms such as suicidal ideation, near-continuous panic or depression affecting the ability to function independently, inappropriate behavior in the form of angry outbursts, and intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling a VA examination to assess his ability to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran has withdrawn her appeal for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD.

The Board has granted service connection for anxiety and major depressive disorders, reopening the claim previously denied in 1967. The Veteran's psychiatric conditions are found to be related to his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired neuropsychiatric disorder other than PTSD and major depressive disorder were not incurred in or aggravated by service.