PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's PTSD has been consistently manifested by occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a 70 percent evaluation. The TDIU claim is also granted.

The Veteran's PTSD prior to January 19, 2011 resulted in occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for PTSD was denied. The initial rating prior to March 15, 2012 is found not to meet the criteria for a higher evaluation than 30 percent. For the period on and after March 15, 2012, the criteria for a rating greater than 70 percent are not met.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance of another person.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain medical records and for a VA examination to assess the severity of his PTSD, as well as determine if he is unemployable due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, is currently rated at 30 percent effective April 23, 2008. The rating reflects 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 additional development, including obtaining SSA and state disability records, as well as VA treatment records. The issue of entitlement to a TDIU due to service-connected disorders will also be addressed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including scheduling a hearing before the Board at the RO.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for psychiatric disability. The Veteran is entitled to a VA examination to determine if his current diagnoses are related to his in-service duties, including working as an instructor in an intelligence school in Okinawa.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if his service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher initial rating for PTSD has been withdrawn, and he is satisfied with the grant of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's PTSD was granted with a 30 percent initial evaluation, effective November 7, 2008. The appeal is for higher ratings.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and bipolar disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his attorney, and the Board is dismissing the case.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent effective from November 4, 2010.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have PTSD or any other acquired psychiatric disorder that is service-connected. The VA examiner found no evidence of a nexus between his current psychiatric symptoms and military service.

The Veteran's symptoms of PTSD with depression most closely approximate occupational and social impairment, with deficiencies in most areas, due to such symptoms as suicidal ideation; near-continuous panic or depression affecting the ability to function independently, appropriately and effectively; impaired impulse control (such as unprovoked irritability with period of violence); difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances; and an inability to establish and maintain effective relationships.

The Veteran's diagnosed PTSD is at least as likely as not related to service, and the Board grants service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol abuse was manifested by no more than persistent, chronic, mild symptoms during the period from July 31, 2003 through April 9, 2007. The most probative evidence showed occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, the maximum schedular rating available. The Board found that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they are consistent with a 50% disability rating.