PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since December 11, 2006. The Board found that the current symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they do not meet the criteria for a 70 or 100 percent rating.

The Veteran's service connection for PTSD was granted from January 26, 2001. The effective date of the grant of service connection for left foot pes planus is set at October 5, 2009. A TDIU claim has been raised.

The Board has determined that a new examination is necessary to determine the etiology of the Veteran's currently diagnosed GERD, including whether it is related to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has been found to cause total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100% disability rating.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues, including claims for service connection and evaluations for various conditions. The Board has determined that a videoconference hearing is required due to the Veteran's request.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since November 24, 2009 and increased to 70 percent effective October 15, 2012. The hearing loss disability claim was not established.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression is rated at 70 percent effective December 31, 2006. The Board also granted a TDIU from January 1, 2008.

The Board finds that the evidence of record fails to establish a current diagnosis of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for PTSD under DSM-IV or DSM-5.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, MDD, adjustment disorder, anxiety disorder, and paranoid ideations, is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional development of his claims.

The Board has granted service connection for IBS based on new and material evidence. The Veteran's current abdominal issues are linked to his in-service stomach problems.

The Veteran's PTSD and major depressive disorder are related to his service in Vietnam, including exposure to herbicide agents. The Board finds that the Veteran has a heart disability (IHD) and hypertension that may be related to his presumed exposure to herbicide agents during service.

The Board found that the Veteran's statements regarding a plane being shot down and injuring his knee are not credible, as they contradict earlier medical records. The diagnosis of PTSD based on these inaccurate premises lacks probative value.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for her PTSD service connection and a 100% disability rating is denied. The effective date of December 9, 2010 is the earliest possible effective date for the grant of these benefits.

The Veteran's psychiatric impairment between April 11, 2010 and April 11, 2011 was total, warranting a 100% rating for acquired psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since September 21, 2010. Effective that date, the Veteran is granted a TDIU (Total Disability Rating based on Individual Unemployability) due to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, characterized as PTSD and anxiety, has been rated at 70 percent since December 13, 2013. The rating is based on the criteria for a 70 percent disability rating under DC 9411 (PTSD), which requires occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant, and thus the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as there was no evidence of a current disability or an in-service injury that could be linked to the claimed conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, effective August 6, 2014. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for a TDIU rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD and acquired psychiatric disability are not etiologically related to service, specifically an in-service stressor involving a helicopter crash during the hostage crisis. The weight of evidence supports finding that his current mental health conditions are more likely due to civilian traumas.