PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks, but did not meet the criteria for a higher initial disability rating prior to April 23, 2012.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD due to military sexual trauma (MST), and finds that new evidence supports this claim. The Veteran now has a current diagnosis of PTSD related to MST during his period of active service.

The Board found no evidence to support service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD. The Veteran's reported stressors were not verified and the medical evidence did not establish a link between any current psychiatric condition and his active duty.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent prior to August 25, 2008. The claim for an increased rating and TDIU remains in appellate status.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent disability rating throughout the appeal period.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the current severity of his PTSD. Additionally, a TDIU claim will be considered.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent, effective August 23, 2005. The rating is based on the current symptoms and impairment caused by the service-connected condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the severity of his PTSD and its impact on his occupational and social functioning.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, scheduling a VA examination, and ensuring all relevant evidence is considered.

The Board has determined that the appellant was insane at the time of his service separation, and therefore his character of discharge is not a bar to VA benefits.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing the Veteran with a VA examination to assess his PTSD disability.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service-connected due to combat exposure in Afghanistan.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of a low back disability, left hip disability, or sleep apnea. The claims for service connection for these conditions are therefore denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including providing proper notice under 38 C.F.R. § 3.304(f)(5) for cases alleging PTSD due to personal assault.

The Board has granted an effective date of September 12, 2007 for the award of service connection and a 50% rating for PTSD. The Veteran's original claim was received on September 12, 2007, and evidence revealed a diagnosis of PTSD related to in-service combat stressors.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent, which is the highest schedular rating available for this condition.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD was manifested by symptoms no greater than productive of occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks (although generally functioning satisfactorily, with routine behavior, self-care, and conversation normal), resulting in a rating of 30 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a new VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected psychiatric disorder and additional records procurement.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since April 5, 2012. The rating is based on the severity of symptoms such as nightmares, chronic sleep disturbances, feelings of anger and irritability, depression, isolation, low motivation, memory loss, diminished interest in activities, occasional thoughts of hurting others, and suicidal ideation.