PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with depression is rated at 70 percent, effective from June 21, 2007. The Veteran also fulfills the schedular rating requirements for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied. The RO found that the evidence did not support a finding of service connection for any of the conditions listed, except for schizophrenia.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD based on a verified non-combat stressor that occurred during active military service. The Veteran's testimony and the statement from his fellow cadet have been considered, and both support the claim.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder, as well as the increased rating claims for herniated nucleous pulposus and chronic right L4-5 radiculopathy. The Veteran's current diagnoses are depressive disorder, not otherwise specified, with no other mental disorder present.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD, but denied his increased disability rating claim for recurrent patellar dislocation of the right knee.

The Veteran's PTSD was found to meet the criteria for a 70 percent evaluation, which is in excess of the current 50 percent rating. The decision also noted that the Veteran's PTSD did not more closely approximate the criteria for total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD, to include major depressive disorder and anxiety, is found to be related to his service-connected PTSD. The Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation in excess of 70 percent for his service-connected PTSD, as well as his request for temporary total evaluations based on hospital treatment. The criteria for these claims were not met.

The Veteran's right knee injury and posttraumatic stress disorder were found to be service-connected, allowing accrued benefits.

The case is being remanded for the Veteran to have a new Travel Board hearing at the Oakland, California RO before a Board VLJ who will be assigned to adjudicate his appeal.

The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for his service-connected psychophysiologic gastrointestinal (GI) reaction with mild anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing an updated GAF score.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU remains pending and is being remanded to the RO for further development, including scheduling of a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for additional VA monetary benefits for his spouse S.M. is granted, as the marriage to S.M. is valid and she meets the criteria for dependent status.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD with sleep impairment and grinding of the teeth was dismissed due to lack of a timely Substantive Appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD is denied, as the July 2000 rating decision granting service connection was final. The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his cervical spine disability remains pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his military service and grants entitlement to service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for an adequate opinion regarding his employability based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's PTSD and to verify his in-service stressors. The case will be remanded for these purposes.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to conflicting statements regarding a hearing request and the need to obtain SSA disability benefits records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for appropriate examinations to assess his conditions.