PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2013

The Board has determined that the character of discharge for the Veteran's period of service was dishonorable due to felony convictions associated with rape and attempted rapes. The claims for mental trauma, sexual dysfunction, lumbar spine disorder (residuals of back strain), bilateral knee disorder (arthritis of knee), and acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD have all been denied as they are not supported by the evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is rated at 70 percent effective June 6, 1988, and the Board granted a TDIU rating effective June 30, 2003.

The Board found that the Veteran did not engage in combat and his claimed stressors were not verified. As a result, service connection for PTSD was denied.

The Board denied service connection for bipolar disorder, finding that the Veteran's statements about PTSD were not credible and did not meet the criteria for a mental health condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his in-service stressor and granted service connection for PTSD. The issue of depression secondary to service connected tinnitus will be remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder are related to his military service, specifically his exposure to traumatic events in Korea. The diagnosis is based on credible testimony from the Veteran regarding his experiences during service.

The Veteran does not have a current acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD, including depression, that can be attributed to active service or a service-connected disability.

The appellant's combined rating is 70 percent with one disabilities rated at 50 percent. The objective and credible medical and other evidence of record preponderates against a finding that the appellant is permanently and totally disabled due to his non-service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran withdrew his claims for a disability rating in excess of 40 percent for prostate cancer, compensable ratings for bilateral hearing loss and erectile dysfunction, and service connection for a low back disorder prior to the Board's decision.

The Veteran seeks service connection for PTSD and depressive disorder, which he claims are related to his in-service duties at Travis Air Force Base. The Board finds that a VA examination is necessary to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, the highest schedular rating available for this condition.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since January 12, 2012. As a result of this rating, the claim for TDIU prior to that date is moot.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected PTSD, as his condition may have increased in recent years.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, the maximum schedular rating available. The Board has also determined that he meets the criteria for a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD has been found to be productive of total social and occupational impairment, warranting a 100 percent rating. The headaches have not met the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran developed an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include depression and PTSD, during active military service. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorders, including depression, dysthymia, general anxiety disorder and schizophrenia is being remanded due to the submission of new evidence without a waiver of consideration by the RO.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD, residuals of head injury (including memory loss), left shoulder disability, nerve disability, and bilateral knee disability were denied as the evidence did not establish a direct relationship to service.

The Veteran's PTSD caused occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas but not total occupational and social impairment during the period through June 26, 2012. For the period beginning June 27, 2012, his PTSD did not cause total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and he is satisfied with the current disability rating for PTSD.