PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD results in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, including work, family relations, and mood. The disability prevents her from engaging in substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's previously denied claims of service connection for PTSD, benign prostatic hypertrophy, a skin disability (dyshidrotic eczema of both feet), hypertension, any abnormality of the reproductive system, and benign prostatic hypertrophy. The claims are now reopened.

The Veteran's attorney was awarded fees for representing him in his claim of service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder, which resulted in a grant of benefits. The attorney is entitled to 20% of the past due benefits from November 17, 2005, to January 29, 2008.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining unit history and higher command information regarding enemy actions or actions against the enemy at his service locations. A VA examination will also be conducted.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent prior to October 8, 2008 and 30 percent beginning October 8, 2008. The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher ratings and TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since the initial rating decision, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's PTSD is manifested by severe impairment in social and occupational functioning, including frequent nightmares, intrusive thoughts, hypervigilance, irritability, and difficulty with concentration. The Board has determined that a 70 percent rating for PTSD is warranted.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional development, including a VA examination and Social Security Administration records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a psychiatric disability other than PTSD, as well as his claim for right ear hearing loss. The decision also addressed whether he was entitled to an increased rating for left ear hearing loss.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a stomach disability, including irritable bowel syndrome, and PTSD. The Board found that there is no evidence showing a current stomach disability related to service.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD was dismissed due to his death while the appeal was pending before the Court.

The Veteran's PTSD has been found to cause occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a rating of at least 50 percent since November 14, 2004.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have approximated occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks, warranting a 30 percent disability evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD was granted, with the effective date set at March 18, 1994. The RO found that this decision constituted clear and unmistakable error based on a Court ruling in Mayhue v. Shinseki.

The Board found no credible evidence of the Veteran's claimed stressors and thus denied his claim for service connection for PTSD.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for a waiver of recovery of an overpayment of VA disability compensation benefits, finding that recovery would not be against equity and good conscience.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and arranging for a psychiatric examination to clarify the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the inclusion of additional evidence not previously considered in the August 2011 Supplemental Statement of the Case.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and clarification of his unemployability claim.