PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for a nervous condition, now claimed as mental condition/nervousness to include depression, anxiety and sleeping problems. The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions are addressed in this decision.

The appellant's father passed away in March 2013, and she filed a claim for accrued benefits. The RO denied the claim as no money was owed at the time of his death. The case is now remanded to determine whether the appellant can be substituted as the claimant or if she should pursue an accrued benefits claim.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board finds that this rating adequately reflects his symptoms of sleep impairment, nightmares, anxiety, depression, suspiciousness, disturbances in motivation and mood, and other related issues. The Veteran has maintained social relationships and continues to engage in activities such as golfing and raising money for sick children.

The Veteran has been granted service connection for PTSD, with the Board finding that his current diagnosis is related to stressors consistent with his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since December 10, 2010. The Board found that the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as they only resulted in reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD or an acquired psychiatric disorder, and his adjustment disorder is not related to service. The post-submersive condition claim is also denied as there is no evidence linking any current vision problems to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not combine to render him unable to obtain and retain substantially gainful employment, as his combined rating is only 60 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to the need for a VA examination and consideration of outstanding medical records.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since December 10, 2011. The evaluation is based on the severity of symptoms and impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Veteran's claims of increased ratings for PTSD, brachial plexopathy, peroneal neuropathy, GSW residuals to the neck and trapezius, and vocal cord paralysis have all been denied. The VA examinations conducted did not support higher rating criteria.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent for the entire appeal period, and he is granted a TDIU rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for PTSD, Sleep Apnea, or Headaches.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, preventing him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment.,His headaches are currently rated at 30 percent and do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood, due to symptoms that more closely approximate the 70 percent rating criteria under VA regulations. The claim for a higher rating is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD and asthma were granted initial ratings of 50% and 60%, respectively, effective June 30, 2006. The appeal for higher ratings is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 70 percent disability evaluation.

The Veteran's PTSD and IHD were not sufficiently incapacitating as to produce unemployability prior to May 29, 2013.

The Veteran is entitled to Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits at the 80 percent level due to his active duty service, but not higher as he was discharged for a mental condition that did not result from a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have most closely approximated occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a 70 percent disability rating.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining records from Methodist Healthcare in Memphis, Tennessee. The Veteran's claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and TDIU will be reconsidered after any new evidence is obtained.