PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for schizoaffective disorder with PTSD has been denied. The earliest effective date assignable is May 10, 2006.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD. The decision is based on the finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the claim.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability to include PTSD with depression and anxiety has been manifested by symptoms such as anxiety, nightmares, social isolation, diminished interest in activities, avoidance behavior, and sleep difficulties. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher initial rating of 70 percent or 100 percent due to his inability to establish effective relationships.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 100 percent since September 30, 2010. As the disability rating is already at its maximum level for PTSD, any further claim for a TDIU is moot.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD has been dismissed due to his satisfaction with the current rating. The claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder and thyroid disorder is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability related to service, including exposure to Agent Orange.

The Board found that the Veteran's PTSD had its onset during his active military service and granted service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable initial rating for his cerebrovascular disease and its associated residuals, including dizziness, is granted. He is assigned a minimum of a 10 percent rating effective from November 1, 2007.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD was denied as there is no evidence of a claim prior to November 22, 2006. The initial rating for PTSD remains at 50%.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression and alcohol abuse is currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board finds that an initial rating in excess of 70 percent is not warranted.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD and related disorders is granted, with the diagnosis based on a personal assault during active duty.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for a VA psychiatric examination to determine the etiology of any diagnosed psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran is advised that failure to report for the scheduled examination may result in the denial of his claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and readjudication, including obtaining medical records from his private physician and arranging for a VA examination to determine if he has PTSD or other psychiatric disabilities related to service.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression was granted an initial rating of 50 percent prior to September 9, 2010. Effective from September 9, 2010, the Veteran is rated at 100 percent for PTSD with depression.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted as he has a current diagnosis of PTSD that can be linked to his active military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and verifying an in-service stressor. The Veteran's claim of service connection for a psychiatric disorder to include posttraumatic stress disorder, depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder is pending.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for IBS with lactose intolerance and adjustment disorder with depressed mood are being remanded to the RO via the Appeals Management Center (AMC) in Washington, DC.,Claims for earlier effective dates for the 30 percent ratings assigned for IBS with lactose intolerance and adjustment disorder with depressed mood are denied.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent, effective November 23, 2008. The rating reflects occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks due to symptoms such as depressed mood, anxiety, panic attacks (weekly or less often), chronic sleep impairment, and mild memory loss.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits file. A new VA psychiatric examination will also be scheduled to assess the impact of PTSD on employment.

The Veteran's PTSD warrants a 70 percent evaluation, effective September 11, 2009.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD, to include secondary depressive disorder, is granted as it meets the criteria for service connection based on a verified in-service stressor and competent medical evidence linking his current psychiatric conditions to such stressor.