PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Board denied reopening of the Veteran's previously denied claim for service connection for psychiatric disability, and also denied an increased rating for cardiac arrhythmia.

The Board found that the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied because there is no credible supporting evidence of an in-service stressor event.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and verifying stressor events in service. The Veteran's psychiatric disability is to be evaluated by a psychologist or psychiatrist who must consider the November 1952 and October 1954 STRs.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, and entitlement to TDIU were denied. The Board found that there was no credible supporting evidence of in-service stressors or a current diagnosis of PTSD related to his active duty military service.

The Veteran's appeal was partially withdrawn, and the remaining issues of service connection for lumbar spine disability, psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, anxiety, and depression), tinnitus, and ear condition were remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD is being remanded due to the need to obtain relevant private medical records.

The Veteran's PTSD has been productive of occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas such as work, family relations, judgment, thinking, and mood. He is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for ischemic heart disease and PTSD are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations to assess current disability levels.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at the highest available rating of 70 percent since April 15, 2011.

The Veteran's PTSD results in some social and occupational impairment, but not to the extent that would warrant a higher rating. The current 50 percent evaluation accurately reflects his condition.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was denied as he did not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD. His claim for residuals of a cold injury to the fingers and toes is pending.

The Veteran's PTSD was characterized by occupational and social impairment, with deficiencies in most areas such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood. For the entire rating period prior to January 9, 2010, the criteria for a 70 percent disability rating under Diagnostic Code 9411 were met.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher initial disability rating for PTSD prior to April 17, 2012 was dismissed as he indicated satisfaction with the current rating of 70 percent.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD was denied as there is no current diagnosis of PTSD, and the conditions are not related to military service.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the assignment of a 100 percent evaluation for service-connected PTSD, finding that no factually ascertainable increase in disability occurred within one year prior to March 7, 2012.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and providing VCAA notice regarding PTSD based on fear of hostile military or terrorist activity.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD with anxiety reaction has been rated at 50 percent since July 25, 2001. The Board found that the symptoms do not meet criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to incomplete records and an inadequate VA examination. The Veteran's claims of service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder and a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD will be reconsidered.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, has been withdrawn by his representative before the Board could make a decision.