PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2012

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied as he does not have a current psychiatric disability.

The Board has determined that a major depressive disorder had its onset in service and is granted as service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and other psychiatric conditions was denied as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis of PTSD, and the claims were decided on the basis of direct service connection.

The Board has determined that there is no current diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder and a right ear hearing loss disability. The Veteran's service connection claims for major depressive disorder, sleep disorder, left ear hearing loss disability, and tinnitus have been denied.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of July 27, 1999 for the award of TDIU is granted as this was the date she filed her initial claim for service connection for PTSD. The criteria for a TDIU were met during the period from July 27, 1999 to August 12, 2003 due to her service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent disabling from December 27, 2006 to April 22, 2007 due to occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board found no confirmed clinical diagnosis of PTSD and denied the claim for service connection. The issue of service connection for bilateral hearing loss is addressed in a separate REMAND.

The Veteran's PTSD is found to be incurred on or aggravated during active service, and his DM is considered a direct result of the Veteran's service. The Board has granted service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is rated at 30 percent, effective from the date of grant of service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD is manifested by moderate symptomatology and a mild to moderate response to medication, warranting a 50 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing. The issues of service connection for PTSD, anxiety and depression, as well as back disorder are still under consideration.

The Board has determined that the current evidence is insufficient to establish a service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, and thus remands the case for further development.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since January 26, 2006. The Board finds that the disability picture most closely approximates a 70 percent rating.

The Veteran's request for a hearing before the Board has been rescheduled due to transportation issues. The case is being remanded for further action.

The Veteran's PTSD is manifested by avoidant behavior, decreased participation in activities, intolerance of crowds, intrusive memories, nightmares, sleep disturbances, irritability, hypervigilance, startles responses, anxiety, temper problems, forgetfulness, and difficulty concentrating. His symptomatology results in occupational and social impairment of reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including posttraumatic stress disorder and bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, effective from August 12, 2009. The rating reflects occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas such as work, family relations, judgment, thinking, and mood.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, and Depression, is currently rated at 70 percent since April 11, 2011. The Board has also granted TDIU based on the severity of his service-connected disabilities.