PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2013

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the eligibility requirements for a certificate of eligibility for specially adapted housing or a special home adaption grant due to his unsteady balance and coordination issues, which are not severe enough to qualify him under VA regulations.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability is manifested by no worse than occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks (although generally functioning satisfactorily, with routine behavior, self-care, and conversation normal), due to such symptoms as: depressed mood, anxiety, panic attacks (weekly or less often), and chronic sleep impairment. The criteria for an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent are not met.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently evaluated as 30 percent disabling under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders. The Board finds that his symptoms most nearly approximate a 30 percent evaluation, warranting an initial 30 percent scheduler rating throughout the claims period.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and updated treatment records.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since February 11, 2004. The rating is maintained as the symptoms do not meet criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and clarifying whether the Veteran desires a DRO hearing or a Board hearing.

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 to obtain additional VA treatment records and provide a new medical opinion.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's PTSD, finding that his symptoms are related to his in-service experiences.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling a VA psychiatric examination to determine the current severity of his PTSD.

The Veteran's initial increased rating from 50% to 70% for PTSD was granted effective October 28, 2011. The current disability rating is based on the severity of symptoms and impairment experienced since that date.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining records from the NPRC and a private facility to corroborate the Veteran's reported stressors.

The Board has granted a 100 percent rating for PTSD, effective from February 17, 2004, due to total occupational and social impairment. The Veteran's bilateral pes cavus is currently rated at the maximum allowable under Diagnostic Code 5278.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms resulted in total occupational and social impairment from the date of his claim to April 18, 2005. From April 19, 2005, the Veteran's PTSD caused occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD precludes him from performing gainful employment for which his education and occupational experience would otherwise qualify him, resulting in a TDIU being granted.

The Veteran's IBS is currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating.,PTSD has been granted a 50 percent disability rating effective December 17, 2012. The Veteran previously had a 30 percent rating.

The Veteran's PTSD was manifest by total occupational and social impairment prior to February 5, 2009, warranting a 100 percent rating.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current psychiatric disorder, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the claimed in-service stressors. Additional development, including obtaining a VA examination and verifying the Veteran's claimed stressors, will be necessary before a decision can be made.

The Veteran's petition to reopen a claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD and his claims for service connection for PTSD, hip complaints/degenerative disc disease of the hips are addressed. The Board found that while medical evidence indicates some PTSD symptoms, the most persuasive opinion establishes that the Veteran does not meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have resulted in total occupational and social impairment due to suicidal thoughts, violent ideation, difficulty maintaining personal hygiene, impaired judgment, and impaired impulse control. As a result, the Board has granted a 100 percent disability rating for PTSD from January 31, 2008.