PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a 70 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's service-connected chronic lumbosacral strain and PTSD/Depressive Disorder have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment.,The Board finds that the Veteran is unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities, including chronic lumbosacral strain and PTSD/Depressive Disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, the maximum schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 9411. The VA examiners found that his symptoms are consistent with a GAF score of 51-60, indicating moderate symptoms.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's appeal due to several matters raised at his October 2010 hearing, including the need for additional development of evidence and clarification on the basis of service connection.

The Veteran meets the schedular criteria for TDIU and his service-connected disabilities preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board found that a higher rating is not warranted based on the symptoms presented.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and anxiety disorder, is found to be related to his military service. His bilateral hearing loss is not service-connected due to lack of evidence linking it to service. The Veteran's tinea pedis and tinea cruris are granted a 30 percent rating.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder, PTSD, and stomach disorders due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, is service-connected. The issue of service connection for a liver disability remains pending.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for additional compensation for a dependent spouse and service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD. The issue of hepatitis C was also addressed but not decided due to its inextricability with the other issues.

The Veteran's service-connected right knee disability is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, and his left knee disability is also rated as 10 percent disabling. The Veteran contends that these disabilities are more severe than the current ratings suggest.,The Veteran has not provided any evidence to support a higher rating for either of his knee disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected based on his reported stressors during service. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include depression NOS and anxiety disorder remains pending as it was not adjudicated in this decision.

The Veteran's back disability is rated at 40 percent, and he has a separate 20 percent rating for neurological impairment of the right lower extremity. The other conditions are not rated higher.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the severity of his PTSD and its impact on his employment. The issue of entitlement to TDIU has also been raised by the record.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's PTSD diagnosis and stressor verification. A new examination is required, and further investigation into the claimed stressors must be conducted.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and the appellant is not entitled to DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The Veteran seeks service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression. The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination report and the Veteran's assertion of having had symptoms since service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected as it was incurred during his active duty in the Republic of Vietnam.