PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's PTSD is manifested by symptoms such as sleep disturbances, flashbacks, depression, irritability, and suicidal ideation. The Board found that the disability more closely approximates a 50 percent evaluation based on occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted as his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a 50 percent evaluation.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent, reflecting occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and depression has been reopened due to the submission of new evidence. The evidence now includes a diagnosis of PTSD and depression, which were not previously considered in the original denial.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was denied as there is no evidence of a diagnosed condition that conforms to DSM-IV criteria. The Board also finds the Veteran has not provided sufficient evidence to establish service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD or a lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a hearing before the Board.

The Veteran's compensation benefits for the support of their minor child are being reviewed. The appellant seeks an increase in the apportionment amount, but there is disagreement over the payment of $300 per month in child support and the current status of the child's apportionment.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, warranting a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities on an extraschedular basis.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent, reflecting occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in work, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD based on the Veteran's reported stressors related to his service in the Persian Gulf War. The other claims are remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hepatitis C is related to service and granted her claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were adjudicated. The Board found that the Veteran withdrew his claims of residuals of right fibula fracture and TDIU, and granted a rating of 70 percent for PTSD effective March 9, 2011.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD with depression and anxiety is related to his military service, resolving doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's low back disability, along with other service-connected conditions, has rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment.,The Veteran is entitled to SMC at the housebound rate due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for further development and consideration of his claims, including sending a new Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC) to the correct address.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD was denied as there is no evidence of a prior formal or informal claim filed within one year of his discharge from service, and the earliest possible effective date is August 6, 2001.

The Veteran's PTSD is service connected as it manifested during his military service in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD was dismissed as a matter of law because the March 2002 rating decision granting service connection with a 70 percent disability rating became final.

The Board has determined that further development is needed, including obtaining VA treatment records and SSA disability benefits records. A new examination by a VA examiner will be scheduled to determine if the Veteran's service-connected disabilities preclude him from obtaining or maintaining gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for service connection for various conditions, including a bilateral leg disorder, hypertension, PTSD, vertigo, dyskinesia, paresthesia, diabetes mellitus, chronic pain (including as due to Agent Orange exposure), and spinocerebellar dysfunction. The case is being remanded for additional development.