PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the service connection claim for PTSD.

The Board has determined that there is no competent and credible evidence to support the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disorder, head injury with migraines, or PTSD with depression.

The Veteran's PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder have resulted in significant occupational and social impairment, warranting a higher disability rating of 70 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD was found to not meet the criteria for a higher initial rating, as his symptoms did not consistently warrant the next highest evaluation of 50 percent.

The Veteran's appeal includes a request for an increased rating for PTSD and a claim for TDIU due to PTSD. The Board has remanded both matters for further development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for the Veteran to undergo a VA examination.

The Board has determined that none of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including posttraumatic stress disorder, hearing loss, tinnitus, and a scar from a mortar fragment wound in the right arm, caused or contributed to his death from a traumatic subarachnoid hematoma.

The Board found that the Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder did not meet the criteria for service connection due to lack of a current diagnosis, no in-service stressors, and insufficient evidence linking his symptoms to service. The claim for hypertension was also denied as there is no evidence showing it was caused by or related to any service-connected condition.

The Veteran does not have a diagnosis of any psychiatric disorder other than PTSD. The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence is against his claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, bilateral vision loss under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151, and lumbar spine disability were all denied by the Board.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional development of his claims, including for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's appeals were dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Veteran is unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities from September 6, 2007 to May 2, 2012.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, which reflects the severity of his symptoms as described by VA examiners and treatment providers. The rating has been granted based on the criteria for a 30 percent evaluation under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to his request for a hearing before the Board. The case will be transferred to the appropriate RO and scheduled for a hearing.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since July 23, 2012 and he is granted TDIU prior to that date. The appeal for an increased rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD since July 23, 2012 has been withdrawn.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted. The evidence does not demonstrate total occupational and social impairment due to symptoms such as gross impairment in thought processes or communication; persistent delusions or hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting oneself or others; intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living; disorientation to time or place; or memory loss for names of close relatives, own occupation, or own name.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including cardiomyopathy with coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus type 2, posttraumatic stress disorder, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, degenerative joint disease of the left knee, hypertension, and diabetic retinopathy, are being reviewed to determine if they render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this claim.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently evaluated at a 50 percent rating, effective April 21, 2008. The Board finds that the current evidence does not support an increase in his disability rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD was incurred during service and granted service connection. The claim for an increased rating for his lumbar spine disability remains pending.