PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran seeks an increased rating for his service-connected PTSD. The RO remanded the case due to new evidence of worsening symptoms and a possible TDIU issue.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records, including mental health treatment records from service and a possible personal assault stressor. The Veteran's claims for PTSD, depression, and anxiety disorder will be reviewed with additional development.

The Board has granted service connection for a depressive disorder, not otherwise specified, as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected left ankle disability. The claim for PTSD and other acquired psychiatric disorders remains denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for PTSD as there is no credible evidence of a verified in-service stressor, and his claims are based on direct service connection. The Veteran's contentions regarding combat exposure have been found to be not credible.

The Board has granted a total disability rating for PTSD effective December 7, 2004, based on evidence showing the Veteran's condition had worsened since his last VA examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of reopening his PTSD claim, finding that no new and material evidence had been presented to reopen the previously denied claim.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to determine the validity of his overpayment debt and whether it was created due to incarceration. The AOJ must also adjudicate the issue of entitlement to a waiver of recovery of an overpayment of VA compensation benefits.

Throughout the entire initial rating period, PTSD has been productive of homicidal ideation, sleep disturbance, anxiety, suspiciousness, difficulty concentrating, and panic attacks more than once a week resulting in occupational and social impairment, reduced reliability, and productivity. The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral tinea pedis, tinea cruris, and asbestosis have all been denied. The Board found that there was no credible evidence of in-service stressors related to fear of hostile enemy activity, no verified exposure to herbicides or asbestos during service, and insufficient medical evidence linking the current conditions to service.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's symptoms began in service and are related to his reported military sexual trauma.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining Vet Center records and a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his PTSD.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD prior to the Board's decision.

The Veteran seeks service connection for PTSD, claiming it is related to an in-service personal assault. The Board has ordered additional development including obtaining service personnel records and providing the Veteran with information on how to corroborate his claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Travel Board hearing at the RO. The issues of service connection for a back disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, are pending.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is moot as he has been granted a 100% schedular rating and special monthly compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1114(s). The appeal of the psychiatric disorder claims is also dismissed as they are encompassed within his now service-connected psychiatric disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current PTSD is causally related to his service, specifically a non-combat parachuting incident in October 1975 and a near-drowning experience during submarine training in January 1977. Therefore, the claim for service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated as 70 percent disabling, effective April 13, 2009. The Board finds that the criteria for a higher rating are met.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder including PTSD was denied as the evidence did not establish a current disability and there was no link between his claimed in-service stressors and his diagnosed conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD and depression have been granted an initial rating of 50 percent, effective May 12, 2009. The disability is characterized by reduced reliability and productivity due to symptoms such as flattened affect, circumstantial speech, impaired judgment, and disturbances of motivation and mood.