PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2012

The Veteran's PTSD was granted an initial 50 percent rating, effective from the date of his claim. His bilateral upper extremity carpal and cubital tunnel syndrome with symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome were also granted service connection, but no specific rating or effective date is provided.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was granted, and an effective date of October 18, 1994 was assigned. The Veteran also received increased disability ratings for his left foot and back disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent prior to March 3, 2004 and increased to 50 percent effective from March 3, 2004.

The Board has withdrawn the appellant's appeal for service connection of a psychiatric disorder (PTSD) due to his withdrawal. The claim for hepatic disorders, including hepatitis B and C and cirrhosis of the liver, is granted as new and material evidence was received that supports the claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected as it was incurred during his active military service, based on credible supporting evidence of an in-service stressor.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's case to the RO for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and a VA psychiatric examination. The Veteran is seeking service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than posttraumatic stress disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, and a skin disorder.,Both conditions are attributed to the Veteran's period of active military service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and pilondal cyst render him unemployable, meeting the criteria for a TDIU.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed stressors did not occur and there was no evidence to support his diagnosis of PTSD. As a result, service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD was denied.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is rated at 50 percent, effective June 16, 2002. The Board finds that the Veteran's symptoms warrant this rating.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and scheduling a new examination to evaluate the current nature and severity of his PTSD. The issue of entitlement to TDIU due to service-connected disability will also be addressed.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since August 22, 1996. The Board found the Veteran demonstrably unable to obtain or retain employment as a result of his PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD was not manifested by symptoms productive of occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks prior to March 16, 2010. Beginning March 16, 2010, the Veteran did not have occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity due to PTSD symptoms.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, warranting TDIU benefits.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol dependence has been rated at 70 percent since April 5, 2012, reflecting the severity of his symptoms and impairment.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to issues related to earlier effective dates for a PTSD rating and TDIU.

The Board has ordered further development to determine if the Veteran's current psychiatric conditions, including PTSD and Bipolar Disorder, are related to his military service. The case is being remanded for additional evidence collection and an opinion from a VA clinician regarding the onset of these conditions during his period of active duty.

The Board finds that the Veteran has a current diagnosis of PTSD and depression, which are related to his service in Vietnam. The stressors reported by the Veteran have been found credible.

The Veteran's psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is rated at 10 percent. The lumbosacral spine disability and headaches are also rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing.