PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a rating of 30 percent, effective October 9, 2007. The initial ratings for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus remain denied.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for PTSD. The Veteran's personality disorder is not recognized as a disability for which compensation benefits may be awarded.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO/AMC for further development of the record, including securing SSA records and VA Vocational Rehabilitation records. The matter will be re-adjudicated following this additional development.

The Veteran was found to be unable to retain substantially gainful employment due to PTSD prior to October 6, 1995, and is therefore entitled to a 100 percent evaluation for PTSD during this period.

The Veteran's PTSD was not shown to cause occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, as required for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim was denied because his diagnoses were of conditions for which service connection is not permitted (substance abuse and personality disorder). The case is REMANDED to the RO for further development, including a new VA psychiatric evaluation.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, the maximum schedular evaluation available. The RO granted a higher rating for PTSD in an August 2008 decision.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and a shrapnel wound to the right shoulder, render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected ischemic heart disease is granted as a result of herbicide exposure, and his PTSD is rated at the maximum allowable under VA regulations.

The Board found that the Veteran's PTSD symptoms did not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD and therefore denied his claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD warrants a disability rating of 70 percent as of June 12, 2000, based on symptoms such as infrequent suicidal ideation, spatial disorientation, increased memory impairment, and poor judgment resulting in deficiencies in areas such as work, judgment and family life. The criteria for a higher initial evaluation have not been met prior to that date.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability (variously classified as PTSD, depression NOS, and anxiety disorder NOS) is found to be directly related to his service in Vietnam.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from keeping himself clean, attending to his needs, or avoiding daily hazards without assistance. The Board finds that he meets the criteria for SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance for purposes of accrued benefits.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to conflicting evidence regarding whether the Veteran has PTSD and whether any psychiatric disability is related to service.

The Veteran's PTSD causes significant impairment in work, social interactions, and judgment, warranting a higher initial rating of 70 percent.

The Veteran is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities, and the Board has granted TDIU.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD with major depression has been granted, and he is now entitled to the benefit sought.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and VA treatment records. The case will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the nature and likely etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric, cognitive, right knee, and left knee disabilities. The case will be remanded for these purposes.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and panic attacks, are not manifest by total occupational and social impairment. The Board finds that the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 70 percent have not been met.