PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2012

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occasional and intermittent occupational and social impairment, warranting a 30 percent evaluation for the period prior to December 21, 2006.

The Veteran's PTSD is manifested by social and occupational impairment, strained family relations, irritability, hypervigilance, difficulty with concentration, rage, avoidance, isolation, panic attacks, intrusive thoughts, elevated arousal and anxiety. The VA adjudicator has determined that the Veteran's PTSD warrants a 30 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's PTSD prior to August 11, 2009 resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity due to symptoms such as anxiety, nightmares, and avoidance of intimacy. The Board found that the disability did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance or being housebound was denied as he does not meet the criteria for SMC under VA regulations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected due to a diagnosed condition based on an in-service stressor, and credible supporting evidence of its occurrence.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to a request for a video conference hearing.

The Veteran's PTSD was manifested by irritability, anxiety, depression, angry outbursts, intermittent isolation, and avoidance of large crowds during the period from January 10, 2006 to January 5, 2010. Her GAF scores ranged from 60 to 65.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including provision of an adequate VA examination and consideration of updated treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and consideration of his claims, including the application of new regulations regarding service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and addressing the issues of service connection for other disabilities related to his PTSD and diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's PTSD is found to be related to his active duty service, and the Board grants service connection for PTSD. The claims of entitlement to service connection for erectile dysfunction and a gastrointestinal disability are remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, and a cervical spine disorder were not granted. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis of bilateral knees and an increased rating for PTSD, finding that there was no evidence to support these claims.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to unavailability of SSA records and clarification on incarceration, psychiatric treatment, motor vehicle accident, and Dr. Leslie Kryzanowski's involvement.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD and any currently diagnosed psychiatric disorder did not have its onset in service or within one year thereafter and has not been etiologically linked to his service, including an incident therein. Therefore, service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for a psychiatric disability including PTSD, anxiety, and depression; a cervical spine disability; a lumbar spine disability; and residuals of a head injury (including headaches) due to in-service trauma.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, but not to the extent that would warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, effective from November 4, 2009. The appeal for higher ratings remains denied.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent, the highest available rating for this condition.

The Board found that the Veteran was not unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to service-connected disabilities prior to December 1, 2006.