PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD with a secondary schizoaffective disorder is granted, and the effective date is set at February 19, 1985.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent for the period prior to July 30, 2008 and denied for a rating in excess of 70 percent from that date onwards.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to inconsistencies in service records and the need to clarify the Veteran's claimed stressors. The claim will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since January 15, 2004. The appeal seeks a higher initial evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD, depressive disorder, schizoaffective disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder was denied as there is no competent medical evidence showing a current diagnosis or a link to service.

The Veteran's PTSD was manifested by occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks prior to November 9, 2010.,From November 9, 2010, the Veteran's PTSD symptoms did not more nearly approximate occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms were characterized by irritability and depression, but not by flattened affect or stereotyped speech. The Board found that the evidence did not show occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity due to the required criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a cold injury to the bilateral hands was denied due to lack of current diagnosed disability. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is granted based on evidence showing a link between in-service stressors and current symptoms.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right shoulder disorder and low back disorder. The claim for service connection for diverticulitis is pending, as is the claim for service connection for hypertension secondary to PTSD.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for postoperative residuals of a left shoulder injury has been granted, and he is now rated at 20 percent from January 16, 2007.,PTSD was granted service connection. The Veteran currently receives a noncompensable rating for hemorrhoids.

The Veteran's PTSD has been characterized by recurrent nightmares and flashbacks of combat, irritability, anger outbursts, hypervigilance, depression, insomnia, passive suicidal and homicidal ideation, memory problems, and feelings of helplessness. For the entire initial rating period, these symptoms have not met the criteria for a 100 percent disability rating due to lack of total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is manifested by occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas such as suicidal ideation, obsessions rituals, impaired impulse control, and difficulty adapting to stressful circumstances. The Board finds that a disability evaluation of 70 percent, but no higher, for the Veteran's service-connected PTSD has been met.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's Substantive Appeal on his claim for service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder was not timely filed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including scheduling a videoconference hearing.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD should be remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the in-service stressor and the need to obtain additional medical records.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, the highest available rating under VA guidelines. The Board also found that he meets criteria for a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was granted, and his right ankle disability was rated at 30 percent effective July 23, 2008. The rating for the right ankle is based on marked impairment of motion.

From June 25, 2008 to September 30, 2009, the Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent disabling due to occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.,Since October 1, 2009, his PTSD warranted a 100 percent disability evaluation due to total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent disabling, effective August 8, 2005.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease is rated at 60 percent since August 1, 2005. The claim for increased initial evaluation for diabetes mellitus remains in appellate status.