PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2013

The Veteran's service-connected panic disorder and PTSD are currently rated at 50 percent, effective March 20, 2009. The Board has determined that the criteria for a higher rating of 70 percent have been met due to occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD is dismissed as the Veteran is already in receipt of service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 50% rating for PTSD was denied as there is no evidence of record showing that the disability warranted such a rating prior to August 23, 2002.

The Veteran's PTSD was initially rated at 50 percent prior to October 3, 2008. From October 3, 2008 to April 6, 2009, the Veteran's PTSD warranted a higher rating of 70 percent.

The Board found that the Veteran's alleged stressors do not involve combat or fear of hostile military activity and are unverified. The competent and credible evidence does not support a finding that his acquired psychiatric disability is related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, render him unemployable due to his mental health conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a valid diagnosis of PTSD and his symptoms are more consistent with depression and anxiety. Therefore, service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD, Anxiety Disorder) and sleep apnea is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is mixed, with some issues granted and others not. The effective date for the grant of service connection for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has been remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a new examination to determine if the Veteran's PTSD is related to fear of hostile military activity or behavior changes in response to personal assaults during service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and coronary artery disease, are found to be sufficient to prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment. A TDIU rating is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is for an increased disability evaluation for his service-connected PTSD. The Board has ordered a remand to obtain updated VA and private medical records, conduct a new VA examination, and ensure all development actions are completed.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for posttraumatic stress disorder is being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining updated treatment records. The issues of entitlement to an increased evaluation for PTSD and TDIU are also inextricably intertwined.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, effective April 26, 2006. The Board finds that the symptoms are representative of a 50 percent rating.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher initial disability rating for PTSD has been withdrawn, resulting in the dismissal of this case.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50% effective June 12, 2009.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder was denied as the earliest date of receipt of claim is January 9, 1991.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, effective May 30, 2008. The right knee disability was also granted service connection on May 30, 2008, with a 10 percent rating prior to May 14, 2009 and a 20 percent rating thereafter.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the issue of entitlement to a higher disability rating for PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, is related to his military service. The appeal will be reconsidered after this additional development.