PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2012

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent from August 9, 2006 to March 3, 2009. From April 3, 2012, the rating increased to 70 percent.,PTSD has resulted in significant impairment, with moderate impact on social and occupational functioning since March 3, 2009.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since June 26, 2007. The disability is characterized by occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder NOS, and depression are granted. The claim for secondary service connection for alcohol abuse is also granted.

The November 2004 decision granted service connection for PTSD with an effective date of July 19, 2002. The Board found no clear and unmistakable error in this determination.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and thus, service connection cannot be granted for this condition. The issues regarding Gulf War Syndrome and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are addressed in the REMAND portion.

The Veteran's COPD claim was not granted, but his PTSD rating remains at 50% since July 20, 2006. The decision is mixed as some issues were granted and others were denied.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD were denied, while his claim for erectile dysfunction was granted. The rating assigned is 0% (non-compensable), effective date is not specified.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and PTSD, is not related to service. The hepatitis C infection was caused by intravenous drug abuse. Substance abuse is secondary to the Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disorder.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, hepatitis C infection, or substance abuse cannot be established.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and VA treatment records. The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for PTSD is also being considered.

The Veteran's PTSD has been productive of occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a disability rating of 50 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran should be afforded a VA examination to determine what psychiatric diagnoses meet the DSM-IV criteria, and for each such diagnosis, whether it is related to service. The RO must also obtain all relevant medical records from various sources.

The Board found that a chronic acquired psychiatric disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and denied the Veteran's claim.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and remanded the remaining claims due to incomplete records.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD was rated at 30 percent prior to September 27, 2007 and denied for a higher rating.,From September 27, 2007 through December 10, 2009, the Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent and denied for a higher evaluation.,The Veteran's PTSD from December 11, 2009 onwards was rated at 70 percent and also denied for a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 30 percent, but no greater. The VA has granted the initial rating and denied any increase in evaluation for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since July 15, 2009. The Board found that the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating of 70 percent under Diagnostic Code 9411.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (recurrent cystitis, PTSD, and depression) are found to be of such a nature or severity that they prevent her from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment. As a result, the claim for TDIU is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at a 50 percent since March 5, 2008.,A 70 percent rating is granted effective from March 7, 2011.

The Board found that the Veteran's anxiety disorder is related to his service in Vietnam and granted service connection for this condition, resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a psychiatric disability other than PTSD and schizoaffective disorder is granted. The claim of service connection for PTSD is also granted, but the Board found that there was no in-service stressor to support this claim.