PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2012

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's death, and therefore no evaluation was granted or denied.

The Veteran's PTSD from April 27, 2004 to February 10, 2011 manifested in moderate symptoms such as panic attacks more than once a week and some impairment of memory, resulting in moderate impairment of social functioning. The criteria for an evaluation in excess of 50 percent disabling were not met.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent prior to November 26, 2008. After review of his symptoms and evidence, the Board has determined that a higher rating of 70 percent is warranted for the period prior to November 26, 2008.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression was found to be productive of total social and occupational impairment for the year prior to July 31, 2008. Effective from that date, a 100% disability rating is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, the maximum schedular rating available. The Board has determined that he meets the criteria for this rating based on his symptoms of occasional depression, sleep impairment including nightmares, difficulty concentrating, irritability and anger issues, and hypervigilance, which result in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has dismissed the appeal regarding an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for PTSD. The remaining claims, including a higher initial rating for PTSD and issues related to a right shoulder disability, are being remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain outstanding records from the Social Security Administration and a VA examination to assess his PTSD. The case will be readjudicated based on all evidence.

The Veteran is granted service connection for PTSD and the claim for secondary service connection for a low back disorder is reopened.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder. The evidence submitted since the last denial shows diagnoses of these conditions and credible testimony regarding in-service stressors. Service connection is granted based on direct evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including intervertebral disc syndrome, lumbosacral spine; residuals of a right shoulder injury; intervertebral disc syndrome, cervical spine; right arm radiculopathy as secondary to cervical spine associated with intervertebral disc syndrome, cervical spine; and headaches, prevent him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's death was caused by far advanced carcinoma of the pancreas, with abdominal metastasis. The cause and development of his heart condition are not directly linked to any service-connected disability.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, as evidenced by his symptoms of depression, anxiety, irritability, impaired judgment, and difficulty establishing effective social relationships. These symptoms have been constant throughout the appeal period.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD with anxiety and depression, but further development is needed to determine if the Veteran's current psychiatric symptoms are related to his military service.

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

The Veteran's PTSD caused occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks from August 31, 2005 to October 31, 2011. Since November 1, 2011, his PTSD has caused reduced reliability and productivity but not deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for further examinations. He seeks service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and MDD, as well as a left ankle disorder that may be secondary to his service-connected knee disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since the effective date of service connection, reflecting symptoms such as depressed mood, intrusive thoughts, sleep impairment, irritability, anger management, panic attacks, obsessive rituals, anxiety, and avoidance behavior that more closely approximate difficulty in maintaining effective work and familial relationships.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to an in-service personal assault and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the Veteran did not engage in combat and there is no corroboration of his claimed in-service stressor. As a result, service connection for PTSD was denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. Additional development is required as requested in October 2010.