PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent from September 30, 2004 to December 27, 2008 and the Board found this rating appropriate. From December 28, 2008, a higher rating of more than 30 percent is not warranted.

The Board has determined that the earliest date of entitlement for service connection of PTSD is October 27, 1992. The effective date for this grant of service connection is set at October 27, 1992.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with major depressive disorder has been rated at 50 percent since June 20, 2005.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude substantially gainful employment.

The Board has ordered additional development to verify the authenticity of documents submitted by the Veteran and to obtain further medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of any current psychiatric disorders, including PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD does not present an exceptional disability picture that warrants an extra-schedular evaluation. The Board also found the Veteran is not unemployable due to his service-connected PTSD, as he has other non-service connected disabilities and age.

The Veteran's claim of an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD is dismissed because it was not filed within one year of the March 1992 rating decision, which became final.

The Board has remanded the claims due to the need for further development, including obtaining medical opinions and records.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD. The Veteran's current psychiatric condition is considered unrelated to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to March 12, 1999 for the initial grant of TDIU was granted. The Board found that the April 9, 1992 VA Form 9 constituted an informal claim and determined that the Veteran met the schedular criteria for a total rating based on individual unemployability as of April 9, 1992.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and anxiety disorder, are found to be related to the in-service physical and sexual assaults.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to March 28, 2007 for the grant of service connection for PTSD with a secondary depressive disorder and panic attacks was denied. The Veteran also failed to meet the criteria for an initial disability rating in excess of 50 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted effective from August 13, 1997. Prior to January 30, 2008, his PTSD was rated at 10 percent.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination is required to determine if the Veteran suffers from PTSD and whether any current acquired psychiatric disorder, including depressive disorder, is related to his active military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his service, including exposure to traumatic events during his time in the Southwest Asia Theater of operations. As a result, the claim for service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the RO granted service connection for residuals of TBI including headaches. The effective date was set as January 30, 2008.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since March 2008, reflecting significant impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of bilateral plantar fasciitis, right knee retropatellar pain syndrome, and left knee retropatellar pain syndrome were all granted with a 10% evaluation. The claim for service connection for PTSD was withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further examination and development due to the presence of multiple psychiatric conditions, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety disorder. The issue remains about service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to insufficient evidence of a verified stressor and the need for further examination.