PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2012

The Veteran's anxiety disorder with features of PTSD and depressive features is currently rated at 50 percent, effective May 30, 2008. The VA determined that the symptoms are comparable to reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board denied reopening of service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's in-service stressor had been recognized but there was no current diagnosis of PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a more contemporaneous VA examination and additional pertinent medical records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus was denied as there is no current diagnosis of either Type I or Type II diabetes. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a grant of service connection for PTSD and residuals of a shrapnel wound injury to the left group XVII muscles.

The Veteran's claims for tinnitus, dysentery, right eye disability, bilateral foot and knee arthritis, bilateral ankle arthritis, rib disability, left eye disability, hearing loss, PTSD, and malaria have been reopened. The decision is mixed as some issues were granted while others were denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his military service and grants the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to assess the current severity of his PTSD and an evaluation of his employability.

The Veteran's PTSD results in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood. The current rating of 50 percent is not sufficient to reflect the severity of his condition.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial disability rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD and a TDIU remains pending due to the RO's failure to grant his full appeal. The case is being remanded for additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia and posttraumatic stress disorder, are related to his military service. The evidence shows an acute schizophrenic episode during active duty and a consistent diagnosis of various psychiatric conditions since separation from service.

The Board denied an increased rating for PTSD and found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone do not render him unable to obtain or retain employment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and MDD, has been reopened. The original denial of mood disorder with psychotic features remains in effect as the new evidence does not relate to this specific condition.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for hepatitis C, PTSD, and a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD to the RO for further action. The bilateral hearing loss issue is also being remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD was incurred as a result of an in-service personal assault, specifically a rape incident during service. The evidence supports this conclusion and meets all criteria for granting service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for an increased rating and earlier effective date for posttraumatic stress disorder have been denied. The Veteran's entitlement to service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder arose no earlier than March 2007, with the award of service connection being granted on February 7, 2006.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated as 30 percent disabling from March 8, 2005 to June 21, 2009 and 50 percent disabling thereafter. The Board found that the criteria for higher ratings were not met.

The Veteran's appeals for increased rating, service connection, and reopening of previously denied claims have been withdrawn. The case is being remanded to obtain SSA records.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have been manifested by occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks, warranting a 30 percent evaluation.

The Veteran's depressive reaction and PTSD have been manifested by sleep impairment, hypervigilance, depression, memory loss, intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, irritability, anger, social isolation, diminished interest in activities, and difficulty establishing and maintaining work and social relationships. The Board finds that the current level of disability does not warrant a rating in excess of 70 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and ensuring all pertinent Federal records are associated with the claims file. The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is on appeal, as is his petition to reopen a claim for service connection for depression.