PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran has been diagnosed with PTSD and a mood disorder, both linked to an in-service personal assault. The Board finds sufficient circumstantial evidence to corroborate the Veteran's assertions of physical assault during basic training.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 30 percent, and the Board has granted a higher rating of 50 percent. The right foot disorder was found to be incurred during ACDUTRA, while the left foot disorder was aggravated by his service-connected right foot disorder. Hypertension was not shown in service or related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with depressive disorder, not otherwise specified, is manifested by occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity due to symptoms of depressed mood, anxiety, suspiciousness, chronic sleep impairment with nightmares, mild memory loss, restricted affect, frequent panic attacks, passive suicidal thoughts and disturbances of mood or motivation. The criteria for a 50 percent rating have been met.

The Board has expanded the issue to include any acquired psychiatric disability due to Clemons v. Shinseki, 23 Vet. App. (2009). The Veteran is seeking service connection for PTSD and other diagnosed mental health conditions.

The Board has ordered a new examination to determine the etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and gender identity disorder. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his satisfaction with the assigned evaluations for PTSD.

The Veteran's appeals for an increased rating for PTSD and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records and to schedule her for a VA examination to determine the nature, extent, onset and etiology of any hearing loss found to be present. Additionally, she will be scheduled for a VA psychiatric examination to determine the identity and etiology of any psychiatric disorder that may be present.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a personal hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals due to his request. The issues include service connection, initial evaluations for PTSD and hearing loss, and TDIU.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, and finds there is competent and credible evidence linking his current PTSD diagnosis to an in-service sexual assault. As a result, the claim for service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased disability rating for PTSD has been withdrawn, resulting in the dismissal of his case.

The Veteran's PTSD has been productive of occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood since November 17, 2009. The Veteran's symptoms include impaired sleep, nightmares and flashbacks several times a week, intrusive thoughts of Vietnam, anger, a dysphoric mood, poor concentration, panic attacks, social withdrawal, and intermittent suicidal ideation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, bipolar disorder, and depression was granted. The issue of increased evaluation for his service-connected bronchial asthma remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for additional development, including scheduling a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a neck injury and the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD) remains pending.

The Veteran's PTSD does not result in more than occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, thus the current 50 percent rating is maintained.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since April 21, 2010, due to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD is granted as his PTSD was etiologically related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently evaluated at a 30 percent rating, and the Board finds that this evaluation adequately reflects his symptoms of occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks.

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