PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The case is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and an addendum opinion from a qualified examiner to determine the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorder that may be present.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent prior to October 31, 2011 and increased to 70 percent after that date. The appeal is granted for these ratings.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently evaluated as 50 percent disabling. The Board finds that the symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating, and thus does not grant an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, Adjustment Disorder with Chronic Dyssomnia, and Major Depressive Disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypothyroidism symptoms more closely approximated a 30 percent rating, but not higher. The PTSD rating remained at 50 percent.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability and PTSD have been granted service connection, and he is now eligible for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and the Board finds that no service connection is warranted.

The Veteran's appeal of the issue regarding a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD has been dismissed due to his withdrawal of this claim. The TDIU issue is granted effective May 19, 2010.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to verify the Veteran's alleged stressors and service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety disorder NOS with depressive features and PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for ischemic heart disease was granted, and the effective date is set at February 18, 2011. The claim for PTSD was also granted but with an effective date of February 18, 2011, which is considered a mixed decision as it relates to both conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and verifying his reported stressors. A VA psychiatric examination will also be scheduled to determine the etiology of any diagnosed psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's PTSD claim is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his condition. The TDIU claim is also being remanded due to its inextricability with the PTSD rating claim.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent disabling, and the Board finds it at least as likely as not that her service-connected PTSD has prevented her from engaging in substantially gainful employment for which her education and occupational experience would otherwise qualify her.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining updated treatment records and scheduling a VA PTSD examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to ensure a complete record and proper consideration of his claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain updated VA Form 21-8940, as well as any outstanding private treatment records. The Veteran will also be provided an opportunity to submit lay statements from himself and others who can attest to the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they are best described by the criteria for a 70 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's claim for vocational rehabilitation and employment benefits under Chapter 31 of the United States Code is denied because he does not meet the requirement of having an 'employment handicap' due to his service-connected disability.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since June 15, 2009. The effective date for this rating is June 15, 2009.