PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Board has determined that the Veteran submitted a timely substantive appeal with respect to his claims of service connection for PTSD, residuals of right knee injury, and residuals of burn to the right forearm. The appeal is continued.

The Veteran's PTSD, traumatic arthritis of the right foot, and hypertension have been granted service connection. The PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since February 11, 2008.

The Board has reopened the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD and bipolar disorder) and a dental condition, finding new and material evidence. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability remains pending with the issue of whether there is a nexus to military service.

The Veteran was not in receipt of a total disability rating for at least eight years prior to his death, and therefore does not meet the criteria for enhanced DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1311(a)(2).

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since November 2, 2005. This rating is based on the severity of his symptoms and their impact on his occupational and social functioning.

The Veteran's appeal was remanded due to his withdrawal of the appeal, but he later requested a hearing. The case is now being reviewed by the Board.

The Board found that the cause of death (blunt force head trauma) was not caused by a service-connected disability and denied both the claim for service connection for the cause of death and the DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The Board has determined that the appellant's PTSD warrants a 100% disability rating, effective June 14, 2007. This grant of a higher rating renders moot his claim for TDIU as he is already receiving the maximum benefit allowed by law.

The Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities, including dysthymic disorder and PTSD, are found to be related to his service. His bilateral hearing loss is rated at 20% prior to December 30, 2008 and 30% since then.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development to verify alleged in-service stressors and obtain a VA psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's PTSD has been found to result in occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency, but not to the extent that would warrant a higher rating. The Veteran maintains his ability to establish and maintain effective relationships.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of his service-connected PTSD was granted, with a current evaluation of 50 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral plantar fasciitis, pes planus, and hallux valgus is currently rated as 10 percent disabling. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted for this condition.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depression and PTSD, was incurred in active service. Service connection is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining updated treatment records and VA examinations for PTSD and left ear hearing loss. Service connection claims for peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities are also pending.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since April 2008, reflecting significant impairment in occupational and social functioning.

The Veteran's PTSD was previously rated at 50 percent, and the Board has now granted a higher rating of 70 percent effective from September 1, 2008.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including providing notice regarding service connection for PTSD due to personal assault and obtaining relevant medical records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, is being remanded due to the need to obtain her service personnel records and verify any inservice stressors. A VA psychiatric examination will be scheduled to determine if a current psychiatric disability is related to service.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 100 percent from May 16, 1996 to August 28, 2002 due to total occupational and social impairment.