PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities is being remanded as the Board finds there is insufficient evidence regarding his employability.

The Board has determined that the appellant's PTSD warrants a 50 percent disability rating, effective from April 22, 2005.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since August 20, 2010. The Board found that the disability picture more nearly approximates reduced reliability and productivity due to symptoms such as blunted affect; impaired impulse control; impairment of memory; disturbances of motivation and mood; chronic sleep impairment; irritability; difficulty concentrating; hypervigilance; anxiety; one report of suicidal thoughts; depressive symptoms; difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances; and difficulty in establishing and maintaining effective work and social relationships.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has been granted a 70 percent disability rating, effective September 1, 2005. The appeal for increased ratings and service connection is resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's PTSD has been characterized by symptoms such as nightmares, hypervigilance, social avoidance, flashbacks, irritability, unprovoked anger, chronic depression, and feelings of detachment from others. For the initial rating period prior to September 28, 2010, the criteria for a 70 percent disability rating have been met.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to new evidence submitted by the appellant and an inadequate VA medical opinion. The issue of service connection for a low back disability will be reconsidered, and the issue of whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen a claim of service connection for a psychiatric disability, including depression and PTSD, will also be addressed.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent prior to July 7, 2009 and upgraded to 50 percent from that date. The effective date for the increased rating is not specified.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50% from April 8, 2003 to September 14, 2009.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of medical records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and compliance with VA procedures, particularly regarding his incarceration status.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent prior to October 2, 2009 for PTSD and for TDIU prior to that date has been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of PTSD was denied, and his TDIU claim was also denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating or entitlement to TDIU based on service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent disabling effective February 27, 2008.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent from August 9, 2006 to March 3, 2009. From April 3, 2012, the rating increased to 70 percent.,PTSD has resulted in significant impairment, with moderate impact on social and occupational functioning since March 3, 2009.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since June 26, 2007. The disability is characterized by occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder NOS, and depression are granted. The claim for secondary service connection for alcohol abuse is also granted.

The November 2004 decision granted service connection for PTSD with an effective date of July 19, 2002. The Board found no clear and unmistakable error in this determination.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and thus, service connection cannot be granted for this condition. The issues regarding Gulf War Syndrome and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are addressed in the REMAND portion.

The Veteran's COPD claim was not granted, but his PTSD rating remains at 50% since July 20, 2006. The decision is mixed as some issues were granted and others were denied.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD were denied, while his claim for erectile dysfunction was granted. The rating assigned is 0% (non-compensable), effective date is not specified.