PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since May 1, 2007. The Board finds that the evidence supports a higher rating of 70 percent for PTSD as of May 1, 2007.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently evaluated as 70 percent disabling, and the Board finds that this rating adequately reflects his symptoms. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation due to his occupational and social impairment.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and MDD. The Veteran's diagnoses of PTSD and MDD are associated with his active duty service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal prior to the Board's decision.

The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence is against a finding of a current left leg disorder and denies service connection for this condition. The claim for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and anxiety, will be remanded to obtain additional development.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to the Veteran's incarceration, which has hampered VA's duty to assist. The Veteran seeks service connection for various conditions including head injury, depression, hearing loss, tinnitus, headaches, PTSD, substance abuse, genital herpes, hepatitis C, and joint and muscle pain.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's request for a travel board hearing, and the need to schedule such a hearing before the RO.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD is being remanded due to concerns about the adequacy of a previous VA examination and the current level of disability assessment.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms are currently manifested by reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent rating. The evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD precludes him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board finds that he is unable to secure or follow such an occupation as a result of his PTSD symptoms. As a result, TDIU has been granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and entitlement to SMC based on need for aid and attendance/housebound status. The Veteran was found not to have a disability that required regular aid and assistance or to be permanently housebound by reason of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for additional examinations and opinions regarding service connection for various conditions, including benign prostate hyperplasia, an acquired psychiatric disorder, hiatal hernia, GERD, PUD, chronic colitis, degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, degenerative joint disease of both hips, degenerative joint disease of both knees, and degenerative joint disease of both feet.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for scars (claimed as jungle rot and scars) was denied. The Board also found that the Veteran's PTSD did not warrant a higher initial rating in excess of 30 percent prior to June 6, 2012, or an increased rating from that date. Additionally, the Veteran's TDIU claim since July 1, 2008 was denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to a verified in-service stressor and affords him the benefit of doubt, granting service connection for his acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and depression. The evidence did not establish a current diagnosis of PTSD related to in-service stressors or combat experience. The Veteran's personality disorder was found not to be a disease or injury for VA compensation purposes. There is no competent opinion linking any current acquired psychiatric disorders to service.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before a decision can be reached on the merits of the underlying claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder and alcohol use disorder.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to the need for a new VA psychiatric evaluation and an opinion regarding whether the Veteran's PTSD is caused or aggravated by her service-connected migraines.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and readjudication, including obtaining VA treatment records and developing the claim of entitlement to service connection for heart disease. The hypertension issue remains on appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease with angina, gastroporesis, PTSD, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and erectile dysfunction, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. As such, he is granted TDIU and SMC at the housebound rate.