PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2012

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has been characterized by symptoms such as depressed mood, sleep impairment and isolation. The Board determined that a 30 percent rating is warranted for the entire period on appeal due to his PTSD symptoms.

The Veteran's GAD is rated at 100% and the issues of service connection for PTSD and a right shoulder disability are denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board finds that this rating adequately reflects his level of impairment. The claim for a higher rating is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records and for a new VA psychiatric examination.

The Board found that the reduction of the Veteran's disability rating for PTSD from 100% to 70% was not appropriate due to lack of evidence showing actual improvement in his condition or ability to function under ordinary conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is rated at 40 percent, and service connection for her psychiatric disorder (anxiety disorder, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder) is granted. The rating for the lumbar spine disability remains unchanged.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment. The claim for hypertension secondary to PTSD has been reopened.

The Board has identified potential outstanding VA records that may be material to the claim and has ordered their acquisition. The Veteran's cause of death was morphine intoxication, but his treating psychiatrist indicated it could have been a combination of medications for PTSD. A new medical opinion is needed regarding whether the Veteran's PTSD contributed substantially or materially to his death.

The Board has granted a 70 percent disability rating for the Veteran's service-connected PTSD, effective from April 29, 2005.

The Veteran's PTSD is found to be incurred as a result of military sexual trauma during service, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim due to inadequate VA examination and failure to provide notice of regulatory amendments.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete records and a need for another VA examination.

The Veteran's death was caused by pancreatic cancer, but the Board finds that his service-connected coronary artery disease substantially contributed to his death. As such, the claim for service connection for the cause of death is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied, with the exception of his claim for PTSD which was granted and assigned a 30% rating.

The Veteran's PTSD was not manifested by symptoms that produced occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas between July 3, 2006 and October 29, 2008. Therefore, an evaluation in excess of 50 percent for PTSD during this period is not warranted.

The Veteran's service connection claims for PTSD, a skin disorder, and hypertension have been granted. The Veteran's anxiety disorder was found to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD has been found to result in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, the highest schedular rating available.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for PTSD, residuals of a shell fragment wound to the right elbow, and traumatic brain injury have been withdrawn. The Board finds that his current rating for right sural nerve neuropathy is appropriate at 10 percent.