PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2012

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks, but without total occupational and social impairment. The rating is mixed as some issues have been granted (30% prior to September 22, 2010) while others are denied (70% from September 22, 2010 onwards).

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a 50 percent disability rating since June 12, 2012. The appeal for increased ratings and service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder are related to his service, with the stressors being directly linked to his military experience. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's PTSD and GAD were not service-connected prior to August 15, 2009. The effective date for service connection was set at August 15, 2009.

The Veteran's service-connected left shoulder and elbow disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on loss of use of the left arm.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine if any psychiatric disorders clearly and unmistakably pre-existed service and whether they were aggravated by events in active service. The Veteran's chemical dependency is also being considered as secondary to her PTSD.

The Veteran's chest scar is considered service-connected as it is a residual of a shell fragment wound sustained during active duty. The digestive disability, including ulcers and GERD, is not service-connected due to lack of evidence showing its onset in service or being related to the service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD with secondary alcohol abuse was rated at 50 percent from August 13, 2002 to May 9, 2006.,From June 2, 2011 onwards, the Veteran is entitled to a rating in excess of 70 percent for his PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and aphakia of the right eye have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated as 100 percent disabling, the highest possible rating under VA guidelines.

The Veteran's appeal for higher initial ratings for left knee patellofemoral syndrome, costochondritis, and right foot hallux valgus was denied. The RO increased the rating to 30 percent for PTSD but only effective from March 26, 2009.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection, including obtaining verification of stressors and treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to the RO for consideration of additional evidence and issuance of a supplemental statement of the case. The issue of entitlement to an initial evaluation in excess of 50 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder, as well as whether he is entitled to TDIU, will be addressed.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since February 12, 2008. The Board finds that the disability picture warrants a higher initial rating of 50 percent.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for an increased rating for PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with depression and panic attacks contributed to his death from cardio-respiratory disorder due to or as a consequence of pulmonary edema.

The Veteran's PTSD has been productive of occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a disability rating of 50 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, which reflects moderate symptoms. The VA examiner found that the Veteran’s PTSD does not meet criteria for a higher rating as his symptoms are transient or mild and do not significantly impair his occupational and social functioning.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent disabling, reflecting occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. The Board finds that the evidence supports a higher rating of 70 percent based on deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder and erectile dysfunction to include as secondary to diabetes mellitus, type 2 are being remanded due to the timeliness of their substantive appeal.