PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 50 percent for his service-connected PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and consideration of new evidence.

The Board found that the Veteran's death was not due to a disability, disease or injury incurred or aggravated by service. The service-connected disabilities did not contribute substantially or materially to cause his death.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional examinations and opinions regarding the Veteran's mental health conditions, including PTSD. The AOJ will obtain relevant records and provide a new VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since October 16, 2010. The symptoms include suicidal ideation, obsessional rituals, near-continuous panic or depression affecting the ability to function independently, and difficulty in establishing effective relationships.

The Board found no credible evidence of the claimed in-service stressors for PTSD and denied both PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD. The Veteran's depression was diagnosed based on his reported history, but without a verified stressor.

The Veteran's PTSD warrants a 70 percent disability rating, effective from the date of his claim. The Board also granted entitlement to TDIU based on service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board found that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The Veteran also did not meet the schedular requirements for TDIU due to his combined disability rating of 60 percent.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his claim for an increased evaluation for PTSD with depressive disorder, NOS.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been denied. The effective date for the grant of service connection for coronary artery disease was not earlier than April 8, 2012.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and awarded a disability rating of 70 percent for PTSD, the highest available under VA's rating criteria.

The Veteran's mood disorder with manic features secondary to CVA and PTSD is rated at 100 percent effective January 19, 2011. The claim for service connection was reopened based on new evidence received within one year of the March 16, 2009 rating decision.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and anxiety disorder is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination, as well as the need to obtain additional medical records.

The Veteran's appeal includes a claim for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD and a TDIU due to service-connected PTSD. The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and affording the Veteran another opportunity to provide evidence.

The Veteran is found unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation due to service-connected disabilities, specifically PTSD, sleep apnea, and ankle strain. The Board grants the TDIU.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, due to incomplete VA treatment records and unverified stressors. The case is now pending for further development.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation of PTSD was withdrawn. The claim for TDIU was dismissed as a matter of law due to the Veteran being incarcerated for a felony conviction.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent disabling. The effective date for service connection of bilateral hearing loss is set at August 29, 2008 for left ear and December 24, 2012 for right ear.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, and he is granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral athlete's foot, prostate cancer, PTSD, left knee disability, right knee disability, and low back disability are all service-connected. The diabetes mellitus claim is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since July 21, 2010. The rating is based on the current level of impairment due to symptoms such as depressed mood, anxiety, and chronic sleep impairment.