PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's major depression and PTSD are currently evaluated as 30 percent disabling, which is the maximum schedular rating available. The claim for increased ratings for both conditions has been denied.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 70 percent effective from October 8, 1996. The Board found that the Veteran is demonstrably unable to obtain or retain employment due to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depressive disorder with PTSD features, has been rated at 70 percent since January 24, 2011. The TDIU benefit was also granted effective from that date.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including consideration of new VA Medical Center records. The Veteran will be given the opportunity to respond and for a supplemental statement of the case (SSOC) to be issued.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently evaluated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that this evaluation adequately reflects his current level of disability. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his claim for service connection for hypertension prior to the Board making a decision.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of PTSD and left shoulder disability were denied by the Board, with a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD being denied.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to assess the severity of the Veteran's posttraumatic stress disorder and its effect on his ability to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation. The claim will be adjudicated again after this development.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and chronic headaches do not render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD and therefore, service connection cannot be granted.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death due to cardiovascular or lung disorder, as there was no evidence linking these conditions to his service, including exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder), and a disability of the female reproductive system. The appeal is remanded to obtain additional development regarding the stressor allegations.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, which is now subject to further development on its merits.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has been characterized by symptoms such as depressed mood, sleep impairment and isolation. The Board determined that a 30 percent rating is warranted for the entire period on appeal due to his PTSD symptoms.

The Veteran's GAD is rated at 100% and the issues of service connection for PTSD and a right shoulder disability are denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board finds that this rating adequately reflects his level of impairment. The claim for a higher rating is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records and for a new VA psychiatric examination.

The Board found that the reduction of the Veteran's disability rating for PTSD from 100% to 70% was not appropriate due to lack of evidence showing actual improvement in his condition or ability to function under ordinary conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is rated at 40 percent, and service connection for her psychiatric disorder (anxiety disorder, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder) is granted. The rating for the lumbar spine disability remains unchanged.