PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2012

The Veteran's service-connected right and left knee disabilities have been granted, with a 10% rating for each knee. The claim of entitlement to higher ratings is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for tinea versicolor, respiratory disability, and acquired psychiatric disorder have been denied as the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to active military service.

The Veteran's PTSD and bipolar affective disorder are causally related to his active duty service, leading the Board to grant service connection for these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that there was no credible evidence of an in-service stressor and attributing his current PTSD to post-service traumatic occupational experiences.

The Board has determined that the Veteran did not sustain an injury of his head or neck during active service, and arthritis of the cervical spine was not manifest within one year of separation from active duty. Therefore, service connection for residuals of a head injury and neck disorder is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder, depression, schizoaffective disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is being remanded due to the need to verify a specific incident during his service.

The Veteran's PTSD has not been productive of total social and industrial impairment at any time during the appeal period, warranting a rating no higher than 70 percent.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a broken eardrum was denied as there is no current evidence of residuals from the alleged injury. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, remains pending.

The Veteran's initial increased rating claim for PTSD with major depression and adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depression was denied. The RO continued the Veteran's disability rating at 30 percent, effective June 3, 1994.

The Veteran's psychiatric disorder has been characterized by depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. The initial rating of 30% for the period prior to November 21, 2007, was granted; a higher rating of 50% is now granted from that date. For the period beginning May 27, 2009, the Veteran's psychiatric disorder has been characterized by persistent depression and suicidal ideation, leading to a grant of a 70% initial disability rating.

The Veteran's appeal for higher initial evaluation of PTSD with major depressive disorder was denied. The VA examiner found the Veteran had occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, but not to a level that would warrant a rating higher than 50 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD does not more nearly approximate total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 70 percent rating.

The Board finds that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders, including her personality disorder, were aggravated by an in-service sexual assault. Therefore, service connection for aggravation of a personality disorder is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss in his left ear, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of all four extremities, hypertension, and a skin condition. The decision also addressed issues related to PTSD, allergic rhinitis, and lower back disability.

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

The Veteran was granted service connection for a dysthymic disorder, but denied service connection for PTSD. The dysthymic disorder is considered to be directly related to military service.

The Veteran's PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder have been rated at 30 percent, but he is seeking a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, a hernia, and increased ratings for his right shoulder rotator cuff tear, back disability, and left leg radiculopathy are being remanded due to the need for additional development of evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent from July 29, 2003 to May 1, 2005. Since then, the rating has been increased to 70 percent effective May 2, 2005. The Veteran is also found eligible for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his fear of losing his life due to hostile attacks while serving aboard the USS Skate, and grants service connection for PTSD.