PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2013

The Veteran's initial claim for service connection for PTSD was granted, and he is currently receiving a 70 percent rating for this condition. He now appeals for an even higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, effective September 30, 2005. The Board finds that the evidence supports a grant of an initial disability rating of 70 percent for PTSD.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection of PTSD before the Board could make a decision.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a currently diagnosed acquired psychiatric disability, specifically PTSD. Therefore, service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability is denied.

The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence is against finding that an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, or residuals of a deviated nasal septum with sinusitis, are related to service.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a higher initial rating of 70 percent effective November 5, 2009. The other issues were either denied or not addressed in the decision.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including consideration of the amended PTSD regulations and a VA examination. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered in light of these developments.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since March 7, 2008. The Board finds that the evidence supports a higher rating of 70 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected PTSD and obtaining VA treatment records from the Kirksville VA facility.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that his claimed stressors are corroborated and consistent with his service. The issue of service connection for psychosis for VA treatment purposes is rendered moot by the grant of TDIU.

The Veteran's cognitive disorder is service connected, and it is secondary to his stroke. The Board has granted service connection for a sleep disorder on de novo review as the evidence shows that it is related to his now service-connected cognitive disorder.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD has been dismissed due to the absence of a controversy at issue. The Board finds that all currently manifested psychiatric symptoms are attributable to a single diagnosis of PTSD.

The Board found that the Veteran's current diagnosis of PTSD is related to his military service, and granted his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD has been manifested by abnormal mood, impaired memory, anxiety, and depression. Despite some social and occupational difficulties, there was no evidence of total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of current disabilities related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's appeal involves two main issues: a request for an increased evaluation of PTSD and a claim for TDIU. The case is currently pending due to the need for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated as 30 percent disabling, and the Board finds that this rating is appropriate given her symptoms.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional medical records.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. However, after reviewing all evidence of record and considering the criteria for service connection, the Board finds that there is no competent medical evidence to support a finding that the Veteran has PTSD or any other acquired psychiatric disorder related to his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's PTSD did not meet or approximate the criteria for a rating in excess of 30 percent prior to March 29, 2011. The Veteran was granted an increased rating to 50 percent effective as of March 29, 2011.