PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with alcohol use disorder is currently rated at 70 percent, the maximum schedular rating available. The Board finds that his symptoms do not more nearly approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent disabling since February 26, 2009. The symptoms described are indicative of occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board has determined that service connection is warranted for PTSD and bilateral hearing loss, with the diagnoses supported by medical evidence. The Veteran's claims are granted.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD was primarily manifested by feelings of sadness, low self-worth, lack of motivation, anhedonia, difficulty concentrating, social isolation, reduced appetite, sleep disturbances, anger, and occasional suicidal ideation. These symptoms did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 70 percent prior to May 14, 2014.

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

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and PTSD. Service connection is granted for cervical dystonia. The issue of heat exhaustion residuals and migraine headaches secondary to cervical dystonia are also addressed.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with anxiety disorder was rated at 30 percent prior to December 5, 2014. The Board found that the symptoms did not warrant a higher rating as they did not meet the criteria for a disability rating higher than 30 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and diabetes mellitus, have rendered him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment since June 29, 2010.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) was denied as there is no diagnosed PTSD. The Veteran has a current diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder, which she is already service connected for.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals on all issues related to service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity since March 27, 2017. Prior to that date, the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically PTSD and depression, finding that his current symptoms are related to his military service in Beirut and Somalia.

The Veteran's PTSD has been manifested by occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a disability rating of 50 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, that is related to his military service. The evidence does not support a finding of an in-service stressor and no other event, injury, or disease can be linked to the current condition.

The Board finds that the Veteran's anxiety disorder, NOS is causally or etiologically due to service. Bilateral pes planus was noted on her enlistment examination and did not increase in disability during service.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current psychiatric disorder, and even if he did, there is no competent evidence linking it to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is found to have caused or contributed substantially to his death from adult failure to thrive with generalized debility, due to COPD, chronic respiratory failure, and congestive heart failure.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression and anxiety is found to have incepted or been aggravated by her active service, and the Board grants service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a more contemporaneous examination of his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to insufficient consideration of the lay evidence and medical history in the claims file, as well as a lack of an in-person or telehealth examination. The case will be re-adjudicated after further development.