PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2015

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD was manifested by no more than occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent disability rating.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD prior to April 1, 2015.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted service connection effective June 29, 2012 and rated at 30 percent. The appeal is for a higher rating.

The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of an eating disorder, to include anorexia; her eating difficulties are attributed to her service-connected fibromyalgia and depression. The Board finds that she does not meet the criteria for separate service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD and depression.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining records from the Biloxi Vet Center and providing a VA examination to assess the Veteran's ability to work due to his service-connected disabilities. The appeal is not yet decided.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since January 7, 2009, with symptoms including suicidal ideation without intent, impaired impulse control, nightmares, hypervigilance, and anger. The Board finds that the criteria for a 70 percent rating are met.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for PTSD service connection was denied, and the September 2005 rating decision denying service connection due to lack of verified in-service stressors is not considered clear and unmistakable error.

The Board has ordered additional development to verify the Veteran's reported stressors, specifically drownings that occurred in April 2000 at Fort Hood. The case is now remanded for further action.

The Veteran's PTSD is manifested by symptoms such as depressed mood, anxiety, and chronic sleep impairment. These symptoms result in social and industrial impairment with deficiencies in most areas but do not result in total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since October 6, 2010. The RO found that his disability met the criteria for a higher evaluation based on the severity of his symptoms.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his failure to report for a scheduled hearing. He will be given the opportunity to reschedule either an in-person or videoconference hearing.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the initial rating for PTSD, resulting in the dismissal of this issue.

The Board has ordered a new VA examination and requested additional service personnel records to determine if the Veteran's PTSD is related to his military service. The case will be remanded for these actions.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal on both issues related to PTSD, including the request for a higher disability rating and an earlier effective date. The Board has dismissed these claims.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 70 percent disability rating for the period prior to April 19, 2010.

The Veteran's claim for earlier effective date of service connection for PTSD with severe major depressive disorder, with psychotic features was denied as there were no valid NODs or new and material evidence submitted within the one-year appeal period.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated as 30 percent disabling, and the Board found that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating based on current evidence of record.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development of his claims, including obtaining updated medical records and arranging for a new examination to assess the severity of his PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for further examination and consideration of his claim for a higher rating for PTSD with secondary dysthymia.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are attributable to in-service personal assault and sexual harassment stressors.