PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of his PTSD and whether he is unemployable due to service-connected disabilities. The case will be returned to the Board after completion of this development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in the loss of use of his feet, warranting eligibility for automobile and adaptive equipment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's depressive disorder is related to his military service, and thus grants service connection for this condition. However, there is insufficient evidence to establish a direct link between any other psychiatric conditions (including PTSD) and his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD is related to an in-service sexual assault, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection and granted it, finding that new and material evidence has been received to support his claims of PTSD, major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, and bipolar disorder.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for the issues of increased ratings for various conditions, including degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine at L3-4 and PTSD. The remaining issue of an increased rating for left knee arthritis with a history of patellofemoral pain syndrome is dismissed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD and depression, is being remanded to allow for the acquisition of additional VA treatment records and further development as per Clemons v. Shinseki.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD but denied the claim for a higher rating for headaches.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as PTSD, has been characterized by irritability, flashbacks and insomnia; obsessional rituals, impaired impulse control, near-continuous panic or depression affecting ability to function independently, spatial disorientation, illogical or obscure speech, neglect of personal appearance and hygiene, difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances, and an inability to establish and maintain effective relationships sufficient to warrant an increased rating. The criteria for a higher rating have not been met.

The Veteran's claim for an increased initial rating for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated private treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to outstanding VA treatment records, particularly those from the Veteran's hospitalization in August and September 2011. The appeal will be reconsidered after these records are obtained.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in moderate impairment prior to August 26, 2011 and some social isolation since then. The Board found the evidence did not support ratings higher than those already assigned.

The Veteran's sleep apnea claim was not granted, but his PTSD was granted with an increased rating to 70 percent effective April 19, 2010. The decision is mixed as some issues were granted and others denied.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 100% since April 4, 2001. The effective date for TDIU was granted on June 7, 1999.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining private psychiatric treatment records and scheduling a VA examination if needed. The effective date of the TDIU rating will be considered after resolving the issues related to PTSD ratings.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's reported stressors, including exposure to rocket and mortar fire during his service in Vietnam, are sufficient to support a diagnosis of PTSD. As such, the Veteran is granted service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's posttraumatic stress disorder has been manifested by occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks, warranting a rating of 30 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and a new VA examination to assess his current level of PTSD severity.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent, the highest available rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The Board also granted service connection for a right ankle disorder and a psychiatric disorder (PTSD with major depressive disorder), both secondary to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder, PTSD, and anxiety, remains unresolved.