PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a broken eardrum was denied as there is no current evidence of residuals from the alleged injury. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, remains pending.

The Veteran's initial increased rating claim for PTSD with major depression and adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depression was denied. The RO continued the Veteran's disability rating at 30 percent, effective June 3, 1994.

The Veteran's psychiatric disorder has been characterized by depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. The initial rating of 30% for the period prior to November 21, 2007, was granted; a higher rating of 50% is now granted from that date. For the period beginning May 27, 2009, the Veteran's psychiatric disorder has been characterized by persistent depression and suicidal ideation, leading to a grant of a 70% initial disability rating.

The Veteran's appeal for higher initial evaluation of PTSD with major depressive disorder was denied. The VA examiner found the Veteran had occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, but not to a level that would warrant a rating higher than 50 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD does not more nearly approximate total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 70 percent rating.

The Board finds that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders, including her personality disorder, were aggravated by an in-service sexual assault. Therefore, service connection for aggravation of a personality disorder is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss in his left ear, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of all four extremities, hypertension, and a skin condition. The decision also addressed issues related to PTSD, allergic rhinitis, and lower back disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the current severity of his PTSD.

The Veteran was granted service connection for a dysthymic disorder, but denied service connection for PTSD. The dysthymic disorder is considered to be directly related to military service.

The Veteran's PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder have been rated at 30 percent, but he is seeking a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, a hernia, and increased ratings for his right shoulder rotator cuff tear, back disability, and left leg radiculopathy are being remanded due to the need for additional development of evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent from July 29, 2003 to May 1, 2005. Since then, the rating has been increased to 70 percent effective May 2, 2005. The Veteran is also found eligible for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his fear of losing his life due to hostile attacks while serving aboard the USS Skate, and grants service connection for PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected due to a history of military sexual assault during his active duty.

The Board has granted a 100 percent disability rating for PTSD, effective from the date of service connection. The issue of entitlement to TDIU is moot due to this decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD or hearing loss, but he did meet the criteria for an anxiety disorder NOS. The claim is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD has been characterized by occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent disability evaluation.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent, reflecting occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran's current diagnoses are related to his military service. The claims were previously denied due to lack of evidence linking the conditions to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to procedural issues and the need to provide notification regarding alternative means of proving a personal assault stressor.