PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Veteran seeks service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including bipolar disorder, depression, and PTSD. The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete personnel records and the need for a VA examination to determine if her current psychiatric disabilities are related to service.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 70% effective May 1, 2007, based on the most recent VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 30 percent disability rating. From May 1, 2008 to May 21, 2008, the Veteran had suicidal ideation resulting in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a 70 percent disability rating. Since May 22, 2008, PTSD resulted in transient and mild symptoms and decreased efficiency during periods of significant stress, warranting a 30 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's traumatic arthritis of the left knee is found to be service-connected due to a shrapnel wound. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD and depression) has been withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Board finds that the Veteran's PTSD was aggravated by her experiences on active service, meeting the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD was rated at 70 percent prior to July 24, 2002 and is sufficient for a TDIU rating.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and the Veteran's claim for an undiagnosed illness as the result of service in the Southwest Asia theater of operations is withdrawn.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD prior to May 26, 2010 was manifested by reduced reliability and productivity due to symptoms such as flattened affect, panic attacks more than once a week, difficulty understanding complex commands, impairment of short-term memory, impaired judgment, disturbances of motivation and mood, and difficulties in establishing effective work and social relationships. The Veteran received a 50% evaluation for this period.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in difficulties with his work and family life, but not to the extent that would warrant a higher rating. The symptoms have remained relatively stable over time.

The Board found no evidence of an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and depression, during service or thereafter. The appellant's symptoms were not related to his military service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, as there is no current diagnosis of PTSD or verified stressor.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted, as the evidence supports a diagnosis of PTSD and links it to in-service stressors. The Board finds that the Veteran's assertions about his exposure to combat are credible.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, the minimum rating for this disability. The VA examiner found that his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating as he still has occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and PTSD have been granted service connection. The Veteran is currently receiving the maximum schedular rating for his PTSD prior to July 15, 2009, but not since that date.

The Veteran's posttraumatic stress disorder is currently rated at 50 percent, effective from January 26, 2009. The appeal for higher ratings remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to the death of the appellant, and no jurisdiction remains for further consideration.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the claim for an increased rating has been denied. The claims for service connection of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have also been denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosis of PTSD is associated with a verified in-service stressor, and thus service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and cirrhosis of the liver and hepatitis C is granted. The Veteran has been diagnosed with PTSD related to in-service stressors consistent with his Vietnam service, and he has cirrhosis of the liver and hepatitis C that may be related to his active military service.

The Veteran's PTSD has been evaluated at a 30 percent rating since the appeal period began, reflecting occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks.