PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's PTSD has been productive of occupational and social impairment, with deficiencies in most areas, for the entire claims period. Therefore, a rating of 70 percent is granted prior to March 26, 2014.

The Board has remanded the case for an addendum VA medical opinion to address the significance of VA treatment records showing diagnoses of rule/out major depression, PTSD, and combat-related stress and anxiety prior to and during the appeal period.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and a cognitive disorder. The evidence did not support a diagnosis of PTSD made in accordance with DSM criteria, and there was no nexus between any current psychiatric disability and service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since March 6, 2013.

The Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings for PTSD and TDIU have been withdrawn. The Board has dismissed these matters as a result.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available. The Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher evaluation as they are consistent with the criteria for a 70 percent rating but do not meet the criteria for a 100 percent rating due to occasional periods of remission and adequate social functioning.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated as 50 percent disabling, and the Board has granted a higher initial rating of 70 percent. The issue of entitlement to TDIU was reasonably raised during the hearing.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for increased evaluation of PTSD with anxiety disorder and TDIU. The Board is dismissing these issues.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including severe osteoarthritis in his knees and degenerative joint disease of the spine, have rendered him unable to dress, feed himself, or perform daily activities without significant assistance. The Board finds that he meets the criteria for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance from another person.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations and further evidentiary review.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD and depressive disorder has been reopened due to the submission of new evidence. However, his current acquired psychiatric disorder is not considered service-connected as it does not meet the criteria for a valid diagnosis of PTSD or any other service-connected condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding VA treatment records and a need for a new VA psychiatric examination. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression is currently rated as 30 percent disabling prior to May 6, 2014. The Board finds that the criteria for a 50 percent rating are met and grants an initial 50 percent rating for this period.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent, effective July 29, 2010. The issue of entitlement to a TDIU due to service-connected disability is also granted.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new examination to assess the severity of his PTSD with anxiety and updated VA treatment records. The issues of increased evaluation for PTSD and TDIU are inextricably intertwined and will be readjudicated together.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and Schizoaffective Disorder due to a lack of verified in-service stressors, and because there is no evidence of any psychiatric complaints or treatment during service. The diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder was not related to military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to the need for medical opinions regarding the Veteran's psychiatric and back disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran's current symptoms are related to his in-service stressors.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD with alcohol dependence.