PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of PTSD and back disability, as well as a TDIU claim, are being remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining VA treatment records and arranging for examinations.

The Veteran's appeal involves seeking earlier effective dates for service connection and rating decisions related to PTSD. The case is being remanded due to incomplete records and the need to address a claim of clear and unmistakable error (CUE).

The Veteran's PTSD has been productive of occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks, but not to the extent that would warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have caused total occupational and social impairment, including persistent delusions or hallucinations, but not to the extent that would warrant a higher rating. The headaches do not meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 30 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to a personal assault she experienced during service, and thus grants service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since May 24, 2010. He is also granted a TDIU rating effective on the same date.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic acquired psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD, anxiety disorder, depression, and mood disorder. The evidence did not establish a direct relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since May 11, 2009. The Board found that the evidence supported a higher rating but denied it due to lack of clear and unmistakable error (CUE).,PTSD is characterized by occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent from January 12, 1988 to October 12, 1995 and increased to 70 percent beginning on October 12, 1995.,The Veteran is also entitled to a TDIU rating based on his service-connected PTSD prior to October 12, 1995.

The Veteran does not have a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD that is causally or etiologically related to his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board finds that his impairment does not warrant a higher rating as it more closely approximates reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated mental health treatment records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination. The TDIU claim will also be considered.

The Board found that the Veteran did not meet eligibility criteria for a 100% rating for PTSD prior to April 19, 2002 and denied his claim for an earlier effective date.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD and depression are service-connected, having been attributed to an in-service physical assault with behavior changes resulting from the incident.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including posttraumatic stress disorder, should be remanded to obtain a VA examination and address whether his current psychiatric disorders are related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent prior to August 2, 2009 and increased to 70 percent thereafter. The Board found that the evidence supported a higher rating based on occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has remanded the case due to a request for an in-person hearing, and the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being reopened.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at the highest possible disability evaluation of 100 percent, indicating total social and occupational impairment. The TDIU claim was also granted.

The Veteran's PTSD was initially granted with a 10 percent evaluation, which has been increased to 30 percent for the period October 3, 2005 to May 8, 2009 and to 70 percent for the period May 9, 2009 forward.