PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in no more than occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a current 50 percent rating.

The Veteran's PTSD is due to military sexual trauma experienced during her service, and the Board finds that service connection for PTSD has been met.

The Veteran's PTSD prior to November 21, 2017 resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. Symptoms included intrusive thoughts, avoidance of triggers, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.

The Veteran was granted a higher initial rating of 50 percent for PTSD with associated depressive disorder NOS from April 23, 2013 to December 20, 2017.,A total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected PTSD with associated depressive disorder NOS was also granted.

The Veteran's posttraumatic stress disorder is rated at 50% since May 5, 2008, reflecting occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board found no evidence of a current diagnosis of PTSD or an acquired psychiatric condition other than PTSD, and thus denied both claims. The Veteran's symptoms were attributed to depression and substance use issues rather than service connection.

The Board has vacated the portion of its June 2017 decision regarding whether a timely Notice of Disagreement (NOD) was filed with respect to the initial rating assigned for PTSD in May 2012. The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD is now remanded due to the lack of a Statement of the Case (SOC).

The Veteran's PTSD and alcohol use disorder are manifested by reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50% rating prior to September 19, 2017. The criteria for higher ratings (70% or 100%) are not met.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, PTSD, was granted a disability rating of 50 percent throughout the period on appeal.

The Board has granted a disability rating of 70 percent for PTSD effective March 3, 2008 and has also granted entitlement to TDIU based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is granted, and she has been granted a compensable rating for external otitis. However, her claim for left ear hearing loss was denied as not related to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, respiratory disorders, and bilateral hearing loss were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for establishing service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disorders, specifically PTSD and schizophrenia. The VA will gather more recent treatment records and schedule a new examination for an opinion on the onset of these conditions during service or their connection to service.

The Veteran's PTSD results in total occupational and social impairment, meeting the criteria for a 100% disability rating.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date prior to September 15, 2011 for PTSD service connection and has remanded his claim of service connection for sleep apnea secondary to PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board finds that an increased rating beyond this level is not warranted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment, meeting the criteria for a TDIU rating.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD with MDD and GAD was granted, effective from April 29, 2005. The Board found that the increase in disability occurred prior to the filing of the claim.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD. The claim will be remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and a VA examination to assess his PTSD. The TDIU claim will also be considered.