PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2012

The Veteran's PTSD was initially rated at 50 percent prior to March 20, 2007 and increased to 70 percent from that date. The appeal is for a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and panic disorder with agoraphobia have resulted in total occupational impairment, warranting a 100 percent rating for the entire period under consideration.

The Veteran's PTSD and perforated duodenal ulcer, associated with PTSD, were granted initial disability ratings of 30 percent for PTSD and 40 percent for the ulcer, respectively. The issue regarding TDIU was not addressed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records and possible SSA disability benefits records. The case will be reviewed after these records are obtained.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms do not meet the criteria for a 70% rating, as they do not demonstrate occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood. The Veteran has some difficulties but does not have severe impairment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining service personnel records and VA treatment records. The Veteran will also be examined to determine the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorders present during his period of service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD disability has been manifested by total occupational impairment and symptoms that approximate total social impairment throughout the course of the appeal, warranting a 100 percent evaluation.

The Board denied a claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD, finding that such a claim is not valid as it would violate the rule of finality.

The Veteran's PTSD claim was granted with a rating of 50 percent, and his lower back disorder claim remains pending. The TDIU claim is deferred until the PTSD claim is resolved.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a 100% rating since December 26, 2001 and effective date of service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining outstanding VA treatment records and scheduling a new VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected PTSD. The total disability evaluation claim must also be addressed in light of the grant of service connection for tinnitus.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD in October 2002, finding that there was no confirmed diagnosis of PTSD. The Veteran argued he had a previous diagnosis but the Board found the correct facts were known and correctly applied the law.

The Board has granted the Appellant's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and anxiety.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder was rated at 50 percent prior to August 5, 2010. The rating has been increased to 70 percent effective from August 5, 2010.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board has determined that this rating adequately reflects his current level of disability. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for a higher rating or TDIU.

The Veteran is not rendered unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment as a result of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD as a free-standing claim, since the March 1992 decision became final due to the Veteran's failure to timely file an appeal regarding the effective date.