PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's PTSD has been characterized by depression, social avoidance, intrusive memories, nightmares, a past history of suicide attempts with no current suicidal ideation, impaired memory, and trouble sleeping. The criteria for an initial disability rating in excess of 50 percent have not been met.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining psychiatric records and a VA opinion regarding whether service-connected conditions or medications contributed to the Veteran's death.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD based on a verified in-service stressor involving fear of hostile military or terrorist activity. Service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was denied as it is not attributable to service.

The Board has granted service connection for right foot and ankle disability, finding that the Veteran's current disability is at least as likely as not attributable to documented in-service injuries. The claims for heart disability and psychiatric disability are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for his TDIU, finding that there was no factual basis to support a retroactive assignment of benefits.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD secondary to sexual assault. The claim is granted as the evidence supports a link between the Veteran's current symptoms and his in-service sexual assault.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent, the maximum schedular rating for this condition. The evidence does not support a higher evaluation as his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and other mental health conditions, is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine if his current diagnoses are related to his military service. The Veteran must also provide additional information about his in-service stressors.

The Veteran's claim for SMC by reason of the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or being housebound was denied as he does not meet the criteria for either benefit.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in a demonstrable inability to obtain or retain employment, warranting a total evaluation for the period from September 27, 1976 to September 9, 1992.

The Veteran's right ankle disorder, claimed as the residuals of a ruptured right Achilles tendon, was not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for additional development and consideration of his claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and a depressive disorder, and entitlement to TDIU.

The Veteran's tinnitus, depressive disorder with anxiety, and acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and/or an anxiety disorder) are all found to be related to service. The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine is currently rated at 20 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for a back disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder (diagnosed as depression). The other issues on appeal are not addressed due to the resolution of these claims.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is considered a contributory cause of his death, but not the principal (primary) cause. The Board finds that it did not contribute substantially or materially to the Veteran's death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have facial injuries, PTSD, or back pain. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to the death of the appellant, and no jurisdiction remains for further consideration.

The Board found that there is no evidence of a diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, during the appeal period and thus denied the Veteran's claim for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD with depression, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis is supported by credible supporting evidence of in-service personal assault and sexual assault.

The Board has remanded the case due to missing records and will consider whether new evidence supports reopening the claim for service connection of posttraumatic stress disorder.