PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal involves two issues related to his PTSD disability rating. The first issue is about a 30 percent evaluation for PTSD prior to April 28, 2010, and the second is about a 70 percent evaluation since that date. The decision on these issues will determine if the Veteran receives a higher initial disability evaluation.

The case is REMANDED for a Board hearing and further development. The Veteran will be scheduled for a hearing either at the local RO or via video conference, whichever they prefer.

The Veteran's death was not caused by his service-connected disabilities, and therefore the claim for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 is denied.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher evaluation for his service-connected PTSD was granted, and he is currently assigned a 50 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 30 percent from December 4, 2004 to August 19, 2008.,For the period after August 20, 2008, a rating in excess of 10 percent for her chest keloid scar is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected, with the diagnosis based on his reported experiences in Vietnam and the resulting psychological impact.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD was denied as he does not meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated medical opinions and records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's alcoholism is aggravated by his service-connected PTSD, and therefore grants service connection for alcoholism as secondary to PTSD.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, is rated at 50 percent effective July 12, 2003. His cervical spine DDD is rated at 30 percent, effective July 12, 2003. His lumbar spine DDD is rated at 60 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a VA examination to assess the current nature, extent and severity of his PTSD. The issue of entitlement to TDIU as part of the PTSD rating claim will also be addressed.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is found to be service-connected, while his PTSD and alcohol abuse are not.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, finding that the Veteran's fear of hostile military activity during his service in Vietnam is sufficient to support a diagnosis and link between his symptoms and stressor.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 70 percent effective October 13, 2011. The rating is based on the severity of his symptoms and impairment in work and social functioning.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, paranoid schizophrenia, and bilateral knee disability. The evidence did not support a diagnosis of PTSD or establish that the disabilities were incurred in service.,There was no evidence of compensably disabling psychiatric conditions within one year following discharge from active duty.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have PTSD due to stressors incurred in service and did not find evidence of an acquired psychiatric disability related to service. The claims were denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his in-service stressor of being on an amphibious vehicle which sank, and finds that he meets the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD results in occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks, although with generally satisfactory functioning. He is not entitled to a higher initial rating for his PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's character of discharge from his period of service from April 3, 2001 to September 19, 2008 is not a bar to VA benefits. Additionally, the Board has found that PTSD was incurred in service and granted service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD was rated at 50 percent prior to October 1, 2010 and at 70 percent from October 1, 2010 to December 30, 2010. The claim for a higher rating is denied.