PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

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

The Board found that the Veteran's current thoracolumbar and cervical spine disabilities are not related to service, including his alleged exposure in an armored tank. The VA examiner concluded that these conditions were more likely due to a long-term history of manual labor jobs, multiple injuries, and age-related degeneration.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as his PTSD did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 30 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD has been productive of occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent disability rating since April 17, 2008.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates have been denied. The appeal is dismissed as the Veteran has withdrawn his appeals on several issues.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is remanded due to the need for additional development and consideration of new evidence.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for PTSD was dismissed as he withdrew his appeal.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary prior to the adjudication of this claim, including obtaining VA and non-VA treatment records, scheduling a VA examination, and requesting any pertinent Offutt Air Force Base-Ehrling Bergquist Hospital records.

The Veteran's service-connected panic disorder and PTSD are currently rated at 50 percent, effective March 20, 2009. The Board has determined that the criteria for a higher rating of 70 percent have been met due to occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD is dismissed as the Veteran is already in receipt of service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 50% rating for PTSD was denied as there is no evidence of record showing that the disability warranted such a rating prior to August 23, 2002.

The Veteran's PTSD was initially rated at 50 percent prior to October 3, 2008. From October 3, 2008 to April 6, 2009, the Veteran's PTSD warranted a higher rating of 70 percent.

The Board found that the Veteran's alleged stressors do not involve combat or fear of hostile military activity and are unverified. The competent and credible evidence does not support a finding that his acquired psychiatric disability is related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, render him unemployable due to his mental health conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a valid diagnosis of PTSD and his symptoms are more consistent with depression and anxiety. Therefore, service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD, Anxiety Disorder) and sleep apnea is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is mixed, with some issues granted and others not. The effective date for the grant of service connection for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has been remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a new examination to determine if the Veteran's PTSD is related to fear of hostile military activity or behavior changes in response to personal assaults during service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and coronary artery disease, are found to be sufficient to prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment. A TDIU rating is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is for an increased disability evaluation for his service-connected PTSD. The Board has ordered a remand to obtain updated VA and private medical records, conduct a new VA examination, and ensure all development actions are completed.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for posttraumatic stress disorder is being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing.