PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and development of records.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated as 30 percent disabling, and the manifestations do not meet criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD has been productive of symptoms including irritability, social isolation, and suicidal ideation. However, the disability picture does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation in excess of 70 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain SSA records and provide a new VA examination. The issues are whether he should receive a higher disability rating for PTSD prior to May 1, 2009 and from that date forward.

The Veteran's PTSD causes occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks, warranting a higher initial rating of 30 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD has been productive of deficiencies in work, family relations, judgment, and mood; suicidal ideation; invasive thoughts which interfere with routine activities; neglect of personal hygiene; and the inability to establish and maintain effective relationships. The Board finds that a 70 percent disability rating is warranted for PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a medical opinion linking his diagnosed PTSD to in-service stressors.

The Veteran's appeal was withdrawn as to the issue of entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD. The remaining issues of service connection for TBI, epilepsy, and residuals of a rib fracture are remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD warrants a 50 percent disability rating, effective as of the date of the decision.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection for PTSD, prior to October 28, 1994. The case was dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 70 percent effective August 20, 1998. The TDIU was also granted on the same date.

The Board has awarded service connection for tinnitus, which represents a complete grant of the benefits sought on appeal. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) are also granted as direct service connection is established.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected based on credible evidence of a stressor and medical nexus.

The Veteran's PTSD was initially granted with a 10 percent evaluation in February 1999, and increased to 50 percent from July 11, 2000 to January 11, 2007. The rating of 100 percent for PTSD effective January 11, 2007 was also granted.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with major depressive disorder was rated at 30 percent prior to April 7, 2009 and 50 percent effective that date. The rating decision is mixed as it addressed both periods of time.

The Board has resolved all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran, finding that he developed PTSD as a result of stressful events during his military service and granting his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to a change in the hearing officer and the Veteran's request for another Travel Board hearing.

The Board has granted service connection for dysthymia, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to the appellant's military service. The claim for PTSD remains pending due to insufficient verification of stressors.

The Veteran's appeal involves claims for increased ratings for PTSD and pancreatitis, as well as service connection for a back disability. The Board has determined that further development is required before the case can be reviewed.

The Board has determined that the appellant currently suffers from PTSD as a result of stressful incidents in active duty service, and grants service connection for PTSD.