PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2006

The veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher 70 percent evaluation is warranted based on his symptoms of suicidal ideation, near-continuous depression affecting ability to function independently, appropriate and effectively, and GAF scores between 50 and 60.

The Board has determined that the veteran is competent for VA purposes and restored his competency status.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service connection claim for PTSD should be remanded to obtain necessary development, including verification of stressors and a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board found that the veteran's PTSD was not incurred in or aggravated by service and denied his claim.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD warrants a 70 percent disability rating, reflecting total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a VA psychiatric evaluation and verifying stressor events. The veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is pending.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for proper VCAA notice and a new VA psychiatric examination. The TDIU claim is inextricably intertwined with his PTSD rating claim.

The veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need to verify stressors and obtain additional medical opinions.

The veteran's PTSD was manifested by occasional sleep difficulties, anxiety, and intrusive thoughts. However, his overall functioning remained satisfactory with no significant occupational or social impairment.

The veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability, bilateral hearing loss, and PTSD were denied. The right knee disability was granted with evaluations based on instability and arthritis with painful motion. The hypertension claim was not granted in excess of the current 10% evaluation.

The veteran's PTSD is manifested by symptoms including anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance, social isolation, nightmares, exaggerated startle response, intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, detachment, and irritability. The VA has granted service connection for PTSD but assigned a 30 percent rating.

The Board has determined that a medical examination is necessary to determine the current status of the veteran's PTSD. The appeal will be remanded for this purpose.

The Board has determined that the appellant's PTSD does not meet or approximate the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 50 percent, as his symptoms do not result in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The veteran's post-traumatic stress disorder was evaluated at a 30 percent rating prior to June 29, 1995.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for additional development, including proper VCAA notice and a hearing before a Veterans' Law Judge.

The veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent effective February 15, 2005. The Board has granted a TDIU based on the severity of his service-connected PTSD.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and residuals of myocardial infarction, finding that there was no credible supporting evidence of the veteran's claimed in-service stressors and insufficient medical evidence linking current symptoms to service.

The veteran's PTSD and depression are manifested by symptoms such as daily flashbacks, nightmares, irritability, difficulty concentrating, feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and hopelessness. The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD warrants a 70 percent evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for scheduling a Travel Board hearing, as the appellant requested.

The Board found new and material evidence to reopen the claim, but denied service connection for PTSD as there was no link between current symptoms and an in-service stressor. The veteran's diagnosed conditions were not incurred or aggravated by active duty.