PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is found to be of such severity that it precludes substantially gainful employment, and the Board grants a TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since July 7, 2008 and at 70 percent since June 18, 2013. The Board found that the criteria for an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent have not been met since July 7, 2008, but the criteria for an initial evaluation in excess of 70 percent have not been met since June 18, 2013.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current psychiatric disability, including PTSD and Schizophrenia, is related to events in service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD was denied as the evidence did not show a current diagnosis of PTSD. The seizure disorder claim is also denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if the Veteran meets the criteria for a PTSD diagnosis and whether any behavior changes may be indicative of a personal assault in service.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to notification from his authorized representative prior to the Board's decision.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD with depression and anxiety, is attributable to service.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, the maximum schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 9411. The Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they are primarily manifested by symptoms of nightmares, flashbacks, avoidance behaviors, sleep disturbance, irritability, outbursts of anger, anxiety, and depression.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been reopened, but the Board finds that there is no evidence of a current diagnosis or a link between his reported in-service stressors and his current condition. Service connection for hyperlipidemia was also denied as it is not considered a disability for VA compensation purposes.

The Veteran's PTSD prior to January 14, 2011 resulted in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100 percent evaluation.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's right great toe claim, but the preponderance of the evidence is against finding any residuals from a right great toe fracture or related disability. The acquired psychiatric disorder claims are also denied as there is no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since May 15, 2008. The Board found that the symptoms described by the Veteran do not warrant a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA outpatient treatment records and notifying the Veteran of his rights regarding a TDIU claim. The issues include entitlement to an increased rating for PTSD and whether the Veteran is entitled to a TDIU based on service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher evaluation of his PTSD remains pending and requires further development before the Board can make a determination.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability, diagnosed as thoracolumbar spine spondylosis and intervertebral disc syndrome. The appeal regarding the Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability (to include posttraumatic stress disorder and bipolar disorder) is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining records and a VA psychiatric examination. The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being considered.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues with the in-service stressors and the need for further development, including obtaining unit history records and verifying specific events. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered under the current version of 38 C.F.R. § 3.304(f)(3).

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and a contemporaneous VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD was denied as there is no current diagnosis and the Veteran did not have the classic symptoms of PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD and therefore, service connection for PTSD is denied.