PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2013

Your claim of service connection for PTSD and depression has been granted, with a 70% disability rating effective January 2012.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of April 30, 2004 was granted. The Board found that her earlier April 1995 claim for non-service-connected pension benefits should be considered as a claim for service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD with substance abuse was rated at 50 percent prior to September 3, 2009.

The Board found that the Veteran's left knee disability was not incurred in or aggravated during service and denied his claim. The Board also found that there is no evidence of a current psychiatric disability related to service, specifically PTSD.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied as his combined service-connected disability rating did not meet the schedular criteria for a total disability rating due to individual unemployability prior to November 1, 2009.

The Veteran does not have PTSD due to a personal assault and there is no service connection for the condition.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is currently rated at 70 percent, the maximum schedular rating available. The evidence does not demonstrate total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, effective from January 25, 2007. The rating for IBS remains at 10 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his PTSD. The issue of entitlement to TDIU is also being remanded.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals concerning the claims of service connection for hepatitis C and a disability rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal seeking an effective date of December 27, 1988 for the award of service connection for PTSD with major depression has been withdrawn by his attorney.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than panic disorder without agoraphobia and PTSD, but to include depression. The initial disability ratings for chronic left shoulder dislocation and GERD were also denied.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and review of his medical records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD disability warrants a 100 percent evaluation, representing total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and providing an updated VA examination to assess the Veteran's PTSD and its impact on his employability.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the severity of his PTSD and obtain pertinent medical records. The TDIU claim will also be addressed.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for PTSD and thoracic and lumbar strain was denied as there is no evidence that VA received a claim prior to November 7, 2008.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of any outstanding treatment records.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have most nearly approximated total occupational and social impairment throughout the appeal period, warranting a 100 percent rating.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since September 14, 2012. The rating is based on the severity of his symptoms and their impact on his occupational and social functioning.