PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD was manifested by symptoms of anxiety; intrusive thoughts; startle response and other symptoms of hyperarousal; anger/irritability; evidence of near-continuous panic or depression affecting the ability to function independently, appropriately and effectively; and occupational and social impairment to include evidence of difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances (including work or a worklike setting) and inability to establish and maintain effective relationships. For the period from January 25, 2008, to November 17, 2011, an initial rating of no more than 70 percent for PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent prior to January 20, 2012 and increased to 70 percent effective January 20, 2012.,The Veteran is also service-connected for TDIU.

The Board has granted service connection for heart arrhythmias with preventricular contractions, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to his active service. Service connection for PTSD was denied due to lack of confirmed stressors and inconsistent reports from the Veteran.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since July 17, 2008. The symptoms described do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling a single VA examination to assess the Veteran's ability to maintain employment due to his service-connected disabilities. The claims for hepatitis and PTSD are also being considered as they are inextricably intertwined with the TDIU claim.

The Board has granted the claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD, finding that it is related to in-service stressors.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial higher rating and a disability rating for PTSD has been withdrawn.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital on June 6, 2009 is denied as the treatment did not meet the criteria for emergency services and no VA facility was feasibly available.

The Veteran's tinnitus was incurred during active service. The Board has granted the claim for service connection for tinnitus.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for coronary artery disease is denied as there is no current diagnosis of the condition. The claims for increased ratings for PTSD and hypertension are remanded due to a need for updated VA examinations.

The Veteran's PTSD is service-connected due to his active duty in the Southwest Asia theater of operations during Operation Desert Storm. His symptoms are related to his diagnosed PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded to obtain additional medical records and to schedule the Veteran for VA examinations.,The Veteran reported having various disabilities, including foot problems, sinus issues, back pain, head injuries, hand/elbow/arm pain, shoulder problems, psychiatric conditions, and a heart condition. The Board will review these claims in light of all available evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since June 25, 2010, reflecting total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a new examination and consideration of all relevant records.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including a new examination to assess the severity of his service-connected PTSD and consideration of any newly raised issues.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased disability evaluations for degenerative joint disease of the right shoulder and cervical spine with disc herniation prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran requested withdrawal of his appeal for the issues regarding whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen claims for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, and right ear hearing loss. As a result, these issues are dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date of November 17, 2006 for a TDIU rating has been dismissed as the benefit requested has been granted.

The Veteran's PTSD and major depressive disorder have resulted in significant impairment, leading to a disability evaluation of 70 percent prior to July 20, 2006.