PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2013

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at the highest available rating of 70 percent since April 15, 2011.

The Veteran's PTSD results in some social and occupational impairment, but not to the extent that would warrant a higher rating. The current 50 percent evaluation accurately reflects his condition.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was denied as he did not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD. His claim for residuals of a cold injury to the fingers and toes is pending.

The Veteran's PTSD was characterized by occupational and social impairment, with deficiencies in most areas such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood. For the entire rating period prior to January 9, 2010, the criteria for a 70 percent disability rating under Diagnostic Code 9411 were met.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher initial disability rating for PTSD prior to April 17, 2012 was dismissed as he indicated satisfaction with the current rating of 70 percent.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD was denied as there is no current diagnosis of PTSD, and the conditions are not related to military service.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the assignment of a 100 percent evaluation for service-connected PTSD, finding that no factually ascertainable increase in disability occurred within one year prior to March 7, 2012.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and providing VCAA notice regarding PTSD based on fear of hostile military or terrorist activity.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD with anxiety reaction has been rated at 50 percent since July 25, 2001. The Board found that the symptoms do not meet criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to incomplete records and an inadequate VA examination. The Veteran's claims of service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder and a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD will be reconsidered.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, has been withdrawn by his representative before the Board could make a decision.

The Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder, has been rated at 50 percent since the initial grant of service connection. The evidence shows that his condition causes significant impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating in excess of 70 percent is not warranted. The Veteran does meet criteria for TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and increased ratings for headaches and bronchitis. The appellant's diagnoses of PTSD and major depressive disorder have been recognized, leading to the grant of service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and major depression with mood-incongruent psychotic features was denied in March 1999 due to lack of medical evidence. The effective date for the grant of service connection is now set at March 2, 1998, based on his informal claim received that day.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for various conditions, including PTSD, high triglycerides and cholesterol, chronic obesity, poor blood circulation, dry mouth, Gulf War Syndrome, polyps, gastrointestinal disorder, eye disability, respiratory disorder, heart disease, skin cancer, varicose veins, sleep apnea, and traumatic brain injury. The reasons were provided based on the lack of evidence supporting these claims.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records and scheduling a VA examination. The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his PTSD will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the Veteran's failure to respond to VA examination requests and incomplete medical records. The case will be returned for further development.