PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis of PTSD is related to his in-service experiences on the flight deck during the Gulf War.

The Veteran's PTSD was not manifested by occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas between July 11, 2007 and September 17, 2008. Therefore, the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 50 percent were not met.

The Veteran died from respiratory depression due to acute morphine intoxication. The appellant claims that the death was caused by his service-connected conditions, including generalized anxiety with depression and PTSD, which may have led him to abuse painkillers like morphine. The Board finds a need for additional development to determine if the cause of death is related to service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD, right shoulder condition, and foot condition were all denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD effective from November 17, 2000, the date of receipt of the Veteran's original claim. The RO assigned an initial rating of 30 percent and a later effective date of February 11, 2008.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, effective April 20, 2009. He now claims a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD has been manifested primarily by symptoms of insomnia, depression, irritability, social isolation, cognitive difficulty, and Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scores between 47 and 53. These symptoms demonstrate occupational and social impairment with no more than reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's appeal includes two issues: one regarding an earlier effective date for a 100% rating for PTSD, and another concerning CUE in the August 1973 rating decision. Both issues are currently unresolved and need to be addressed.

The Veteran's claim for additional vocational rehabilitation services under Chapter 31 was denied because the evidence did not show that his service-connected disabilities had worsened to the point where he could no longer perform the duties of his previous occupation, and because the occupation previously found suitable for him is still considered suitable based on his employment handicap and capabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a medical opinion.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for various conditions, including low back disability, right hip disabilities, right knee disability, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, sinus disability, left knee disability, acquired psychiatric disability (PTSD), and swollen neck glands. The evidence submitted since the previous denial was found not to be new and material.

The Board has granted a 70 percent disability rating for PTSD, effective January 23, 2007. The appellant's PTSD produces severe social and industrial impairment, preventing him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD and depression are related to his military service, with reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the claimant.

The Board has granted a 100 percent rating for the Veteran's PTSD from January 8, 1999, onward, finding that his symptoms have caused total occupational impairment.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD and depressive disorder, finding that new evidence submitted since the September 2003 denial relates to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate these claims.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional evidentiary development, including scheduling a personal hearing before an RO Decision Review Officer (DRO) or Board.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depression with psychotic features, has been remanded due to the need for additional development. The examiner is requested to determine if the claimed personal assault actually occurred and whether any diagnosed psychiatric disorders are related to such stressor.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and/or major depressive disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD is granted. The claims of service connection for an upper respiratory condition and for a compensable rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae are being remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since December 6, 2006. The rating is based on the criteria for a 30 percent disability under Diagnostic Code 9411 due to symptoms such as irritability, poor concentration with some memory impairment, hypervigilance, and exaggerated startle response.