PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2012

The Veteran seeks a higher initial disability evaluation for his service-connected PTSD. The Board has determined that the medical evidence of record is insufficient to evaluate the severity of the Veteran's PTSD and has therefore remanded the case for an additional examination.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination. The Veteran seeks service connection for PTSD related to his time in Vietnam.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for posttraumatic stress disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional VA psychiatric examination and consideration of his current symptomatology.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD is granted due to a diagnosed condition related to an in-service stressor involving an accidental crash landing while serving aboard the aircraft carrier USS Hornet.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating of 70 percent is warranted based on his symptoms.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with anxiety (claimed as PTSD) is currently rated at 30 percent disabling, reflecting occupational and social impairment due to occasional decrease in work efficiency.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not currently have PTSD, and therefore cannot establish service connection for this condition.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, as new and material evidence has been received since the last denial in 1978.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent disabling since October 21, 2009. The claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of TDIU benefits is moot as a total schedular rating has been granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's depression and PTSD are service-connected, with the depression being at least as likely as not related to his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50% disability rating for accrued benefits purposes.

The Veteran's PTSD has not resulted in total occupational and social impairment at any time from December 5, 2008. The claim for a higher rating is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to the need to obtain additional evidence, including SSA disability records.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for scheduling a Travel Board hearing and further development.

The Board has remanded the case for additional research related to the Veteran's alleged in-service stressors, including a jet crash witnessed by the Veteran during training at White Sands, New Mexico. The Veteran is seeking service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently manifested by occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, but there is no evidence of total occupational and social impairment. The criteria for an evaluation in excess of 70 percent have not been met.

The Board found that the Veteran's current skin disorder and acquired psychiatric disorders are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted and assigned a noncompensable (0 percent) rating, which the Board finds to be appropriate given his current level of impairment.

The Veteran's appeal involves the effective date for a higher, 100 percent rating for PTSD and whether an earlier decision is final. The Board has determined that further action by the RO is needed to consider if the August 2006 submission constitutes a timely NOD or new and material evidence.

The disability picture associated with the service-connected PTSD approximates occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, but not in most areas. The Veteran's symptoms affect his social and occupational functioning, including distant relationships with his wife and children, as well as problems interacting with his co-workers.