PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2014

The Veteran's somatization disorder with PTSD is rated at 100 percent, rendering moot his appeal for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU). His claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance was withdrawn.

The Board has remanded the case for additional efforts to obtain treatment records from 1993 through 2001 at the Jesse Brown (formerly West Side) VA Medical Center, in Chicago, Illinois.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms cause occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, but not total disability. The Board has awarded a 70 percent rating for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent, the highest schedular rating available, due to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's claim for an increased initial rating for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records and a new examination.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, resulting in a grant of a 70 percent disability rating effective January 5, 2012. The effective date for TDIU was set at May 15, 2008.

The Veteran's PTSD disability was granted an increased rating of 70 percent prior to March 24, 2009 and in excess of 70 percent thereafter. The skin disorder claim was denied. Service connection for a left shoulder disorder and lumbar spine disorder were not established. An effective date prior to March 24, 2009, for the award of TDIU was also granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including PTSD and those related to asbestos exposure, are denied as there is no current evidence of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for PTSD is denied as there is no evidence showing that he submitted a claim for PTSD at any time between June 26, 2007 and January 8, 2010.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to the Veteran's request for a videoconference hearing.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new examination to assess the current severity of his PTSD, including any associated memory issues. The VA will also update the claims file with recent treatment records.

The Veteran does not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD based on DSM-IV, and therefore, his claim for service connection for PTSD is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD rating is being remanded for further evaluation due to a claimed worsening of symptoms since the last VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including schizophrenia and PTSD, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to his period of active service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, primarily his PTSD and sinusitis, do not preclude him from engaging in substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's PTSD with insomnia and major depressive disorder resulted in reduced reliability and productivity due to symptoms such as difficulty sleeping, irritability, anger outbursts, disturbances of concentration, and difficulty establishing social relationships. The Board granted a 50 percent disability rating for this condition prior to November 21, 2011.

Your claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability has been granted, and you are now receiving a 30% rating for PTSD. The appeal is dismissed as moot because your claim has already been resolved.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, reflecting significant impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Veteran's PTSD is manifested by occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, due to symptoms such as suicidal ideation, frequent panic attacks, nightmares, hallucinations, sleep impairment, and inability to establish effective work relationships. The Board finds that the criteria for a disability rating of 70 percent have been met.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining records from SSA and verifying court martial proceedings. The Veteran will be notified of any further actions required.