PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for additional development of evidence.

The Board denied service connection for psychiatric disability other than PTSD, finding no objective evidence of in-service psychiatric symptoms and concluding that the Veteran's assertions of continuity of symptoms since service are not credible.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, such as mood, thinking, judgment, family relations and work.,For the period from November 17, 2009, forward, the Veteran's PTSD did not result in total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's PTSD was initially evaluated at 30 percent effective April 13, 2004.,An increased evaluation to 50 percent for PTSD became effective December 17, 2009.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected, as his symptoms are linked to a sexual assault during service and there is credible supporting evidence of this occurrence.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for PTSD were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a grant of a rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD prior to November 1, 2001 and a rating in excess of 50 percent thereafter.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including new VA examinations to evaluate his left arm disability and PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD was found to cause symptoms such as depressed mood, anxiety, and sleep impairment. For the period prior to April 21, 2009, his disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has granted service connection for hepatitis C and is remanding the issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to allow for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and bipolar affective disorder with psychotic features have been rated at 70 percent since November 20, 1998. The rating has been increased to 70 percent effective April 10, 2009.,Since the award of service connection, the Veteran's psychiatric disability has resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder has been manifested by some occupational and social impairment, but not total occupational and social impairment. The current rating of 50% is appropriate.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to determine his eligibility for automobile and adaptive equipment based on his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's service connection claims for PTSD, hearing loss, tinnitus, thoracic spine disorder, and right leg disorder are granted. The low back disability claim is also granted with an initial rating of 20 percent prior to July 27, 2005 and from September 1, 2005.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD claim is denied as his diagnoses were based on a false service history given by him concerning experiences in Vietnam.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA psychiatric examination to assess the severity of his PTSD and an evaluation of whether he is unemployable due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran seeks service connection for PTSD, alleging exposure to combat and witnessing shootings. The Board has ordered additional development including obtaining medical records and verifying the claimed stressors.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for verification of in-service stressors and a VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, diabetes mellitus, and tinnitus, render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression is currently rated as 70 percent disabling, which meets the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding his employability and the impact of his service-connected conditions. The Parkinson's disease claim related to presumed herbicides exposure will also be referred back to the AOJ for further action.