PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms prior to October 30, 2012 did not meet the criteria for a disability evaluation in excess of 50 percent. Since October 30, 2012, his PTSD has not met the criteria for a disability evaluation in excess of 70 percent.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, has been granted. His claims for a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss and TDIU have been deferred.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a head injury, psychiatric disorder, eye disorder, headaches, and drug and alcohol abuse. The claims were previously denied in 1988 due to lack of evidence of residual disability from an in-service incident.

The Veteran's service connection claim for obstructive sleep apnea and an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is granted. The Board finds that the Veteran has a current diagnosis of sleep apnea related to her service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss disability, and tinnitus were all granted. The Board found that the Veteran had no diagnosed PTSD related to service or any other in-service stressor. Bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were both determined to be attributable to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to afford him the opportunity to clarify his representation and to schedule a videoconference hearing.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in significant occupational and social impairment, warranting a 70 percent evaluation from July 18, 2006.

The Board has recharacterized the Veteran's psychiatric claim as a claim for service connection for PTSD and other acquired psychiatric disorders. The Veteran was not shown to have engaged in combat or experienced an in-service stressor, and his claimed stressors were not corroborated by credible supporting evidence. As such, the Veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD and other acquired psychiatric disorders are denied.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent prior to December 1, 2009 and increased to 70 percent effective December 1, 2009. The Veteran is not entitled to a TDIU prior to that date.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional treatment records, as well as potential TDIU considerations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and anxiety disorder, NOS is being remanded due to the need for clarification of in-service stressors and further examination.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for PTSD was denied prior to April 4, 2013. From that date onwards, the Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD remains pending.

The Board found that the Veteran's depression is secondary to his service-connected hepatitis C, but denied service connection for PTSD as it was unrelated to military service.

The Veteran's claim is being remanded for consideration of new Vet Center records received in July 2012. The case will be re-adjudicated with specific consideration of these records.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as the appellant (through his attorney) has withdrawn it.

The Veteran's PTSD has not resulted in severe impairment of the ability to establish and maintain effective or favorable relationships with people, as required for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to April 8, 2004 for service connection for PTSD was granted. The evidence showed that the Veteran met all eligibility criteria for service connection for PTSD since April 11, 1980.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a VA dermatology examination and implementing directives from previous remands. The Veteran's service connection claim for a skin disorder remains pending.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD does not preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation, as his inability to work is due to nonservice-connected physical disabilities.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the Veteran's request for withdrawal of his appeal.