PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2013

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent prior to December 1, 2009 and increased to 70 percent effective December 1, 2009. The Veteran is not entitled to a TDIU prior to that date.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional treatment records, as well as potential TDIU considerations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and anxiety disorder, NOS is being remanded due to the need for clarification of in-service stressors and further examination.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for PTSD was denied prior to April 4, 2013. From that date onwards, the Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD remains pending.

The Board found that the Veteran's depression is secondary to his service-connected hepatitis C, but denied service connection for PTSD as it was unrelated to military service.

The Veteran's claim is being remanded for consideration of new Vet Center records received in July 2012. The case will be re-adjudicated with specific consideration of these records.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as the appellant (through his attorney) has withdrawn it.

The Veteran's PTSD has not resulted in severe impairment of the ability to establish and maintain effective or favorable relationships with people, as required for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to April 8, 2004 for service connection for PTSD was granted. The evidence showed that the Veteran met all eligibility criteria for service connection for PTSD since April 11, 1980.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a VA dermatology examination and implementing directives from previous remands. The Veteran's service connection claim for a skin disorder remains pending.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD does not preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation, as his inability to work is due to nonservice-connected physical disabilities.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the Veteran's request for withdrawal of his appeal.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, other than mood disorder, to include PTSD, did not have its clinical onset in service and is not otherwise related to active duty. The claim was denied.

The Board has remanded the case to obtain additional evidence regarding a court-martial of the Veteran's drill instructor, who is alleged to have committed sexual assault against the Veteran. The Veteran must provide identifying information for SSGT H and VA will attempt to retrieve any service personnel records or disciplinary records pertaining to this incident.

The Veteran's PTSD has been manifested by symptoms indicative of no more than occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks, warranting a 30 percent rating.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent disabling, effective July 26, 2012. The claim for service connection for sleep apnea remains pending.

The Veteran's request for a hearing before the Board has been confirmed, and this case is being remanded to schedule that hearing.

The Veteran's appeal was granted, and he is now receiving a 100% disability rating for his service-connected PTSD with major depressive disorder and alcohol and polysubstance abuse in full sustained remission since October 21, 2010. The issue of an increased rating prior to that date remains pending.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and anxiety disorder, NOS. The appeals of the issues of entitlement to higher ratings for right shoulder strain and left shoulder strain are dismissed.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since February 27, 2008. The Board finds that the evidence supports a higher rating of 70 percent for PTSD.