PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2012

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in total occupational and social impairment, with symptoms including gross impairment in communication, persistent hallucinations, and a persistent danger of hurting others. The Board finds that the criteria for a disability rating of 100 percent for PTSD have been met or approximated.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding records and the need for a VA examination. The Veteran's claim is not yet decided.

The Veteran seeks service connection for PTSD, which he claims is due to witnessing the sexual assault of a German civilian by multiple US military personnel during his military service. The Board finds that further examination and clarification are needed regarding the diagnosis and etiology of the claimed psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD has been characterized by symptoms such as sleep impairment, nightmares, flashbacks, irritability, panic attacks, anxiety, depression, anger, hostility, and assaultive thoughts. For the entire rating period, the criteria for an initial disability rating in excess of 30 percent have not been met.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including consideration of new evidence and potential staged ratings. The issue remains about an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased disability rating for PTSD has been withdrawn, resulting in the dismissal of this issue.

The Veteran's combined rating for service-connected disabilities is 100%, which meets the criteria for a TDIU rating. The evidence shows that his service-connected conditions have prevented him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's TDIU rating was granted effective January 14, 2009. The Board denied an earlier effective date.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted an initial 100 percent evaluation, effective October 19, 2009. This represents total occupational and social impairment due to symptoms including grossly inappropriate behavior and a persistent danger of hurting himself or others.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 70 percent effective July 22, 2011. The rating is based on the severity of symptoms and functional impairment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and bipolar disorder, were incurred in active duty service.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant, resulting in dismissal of his claims.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently manifested by total occupational and social impairment due to gross impairment in communication, with daily suicidal ideation with history of suicide attempts which, when coupled with extremely poor impulse control, results in his being in persistent danger of hurting himself.,A 70 percent initial evaluation for PTSD was granted effective December 8, 2007. The Veteran's DDD of the lumbar spine is currently rated at 10 percent prior to March 4, 2011 and 20 percent thereafter.

The Veteran agreed with the rating increase from 50 to 70 percent for PTSD and requested that his rating remain at 70 percent, not higher.

The Board found no credible evidence supporting the Veteran's claimed in-service stressor and denied service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing the Veteran with a letter explaining the July 2010 amendment of 38 C.F.R. § 3.304(f).

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and an initial rating higher than 10 percent for PTSD are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and a VA audiological and mental health examination.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent prior to December 14, 2010. The effective date for service connection of PTSD was set back to June 29, 2007 due to reopening of the claim on new evidence. Service connection for fainting spells and tinnitus was denied, but service connection for dysosmia (claimed as loss of smell) was granted.

The Veteran's PTSD results in reduced reliability and productivity, but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The current 50% disability rating is maintained.

The Veteran's psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, psychotic disorder, and major depressive disorder, was incurred in or caused by his military service.