PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of his TDIU claim.

The Board has determined that a new VA psychiatric examination is necessary due to the Veteran's reported PTSD symptoms becoming more severe in the past four years, and also because of his contentions regarding alcohol dependence and compulsive gambling. The case is REMANDED for these actions.

The Veteran's posttraumatic stress disorder is rated at 50 percent, effective February 2009. The Board has determined that the disability picture warrants a higher rating of 70 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including a VA examination to evaluate the Veteran's PTSD and alcohol abuse, as well as his employability.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder, is granted as service connected due to in-service stressors.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a new VA examination to assess the severity of his PTSD and consideration of whether he is unemployable due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with depressive disorder and alcohol abuse is currently rated at 50 percent since March 22, 2012. Prior to that date, the rating was 30 percent. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher initial rating for either period.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, the maximum schedular rating available for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance was denied as he did not meet the criteria of being permanently bedridden or needing regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent disability rating.

The Veteran does not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD or Major Depression, and his symptoms do not align with those expected in such conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, lumbar and cervical spine disabilities, and chloracne. The decision also restored service connection for tinnitus effective May 1, 2008.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the schedular requirements for a TDIU rating, and there is no evidence of unemployability due to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for PTSD and sinusitis have been withdrawn, resulting in the dismissal of the appeal.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a VA examination to determine the current state of his service-connected PTSD, as the evidence does not reflect the current state of his disability.

The Veteran's PTSD results in mild social and occupational impairment, with symptoms such as depressed mood, restricted range of affect, nightmares, intrusive memories, nervousness/anxiety, hypervigilance, avoidance behavior, feelings of detachment or estrangement from others, sleep disturbance, difficulty concentrating, exaggerated startle response, anger, which is responsive to medication. As of December 7, 2012, his PTSD more nearly approximates occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of an inability to perform occupational tasks.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination to assess the impact of his PTSD on his ability to work. The TDIU claim will also be addressed.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with major depressive disorder contributed substantially to his death from congestive heart failure due to coronary artery disease and diabetes.

The Board granted an effective date of August 30, 1993 for the grant of a 70 percent evaluation for PTSD.

The Veteran's initial evaluation for PTSD was granted at 30 percent, effective May 19, 2004. The Board found that the current manifestations of PTSD do not warrant a higher rating.