PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including obtaining additional medical opinions to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD).

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, a respiratory disability, and a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran did not have a chronic respiratory disability during his period of active duty or since filing his claim.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, the maximum schedular rating available. The Board finds that his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent prior to June 4, 2007, and increased to 100 percent effective from that date. The Board found the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The Board finds that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD does not warrant a rating in excess of 70 percent, as his symptoms are already contemplated by this rating.

The Veteran's PTSD and alcohol dependence have been granted a higher rating, with the PTSD receiving a 70% rating effective May 15, 2009.

The appeal is being remanded to the Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office for further action, including scheduling a hearing at the Oakland, California Regional Office.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including posttraumatic stress disorder and bipolar disorder, is being remanded due to the need for further development regarding alleged stressors.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's PTSD is related to his in-service stressors and obtaining all available mental health records. The appeal will be returned to the Board after these actions are completed.

The Board has remanded the case for scheduling a video conference hearing before the Board.

The Veteran has been diagnosed with PTSD that manifested as a result of his military service. The Board finds that the criteria for establishing entitlement to service connection for PTSD have been met.

The Veteran's PTSD has been manifested by occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent inability to perform tasks, but his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, was not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is rated at a higher than 20 percent level, and the claim for service connection of PTSD is granted.

The VA has granted service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder, with an initial disability rating of 30 percent effective from May 22, 2007. The appellant is seeking a higher evaluation.

The Board found that there was no evidence to support a current diagnosis of PTSD related to service, and thus denied the claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to insufficient compliance with previous instructions, including a review by a board of psychiatrists.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records and a contemporaneous VA examination of his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, and he is found unemployable due to his service-connected disability.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, the maximum schedular rating for this condition. The Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.