PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), a left ankle disability, hearing loss, Meniere's syndrome, and a spine disability. The appeals are based on new evidence submitted after previous denials.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound is remanded due to a material change in disability since his last VA examination, and the need for updated treatment records.

The Veteran is currently receiving disability compensation for PTSD, hearing loss, and tinnitus. The Board finds that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD has prevented him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment, thus granting a TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and records, particularly from his Vet Center in New York.

Throughout the rating period on appeal prior to April 6, 2006, the Veteran's PTSD manifested with symptoms such as panic attacks more than once a week and difficulty understanding complex commands. These symptoms resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD. The appeal is granted.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for his adjustment disorder with depressed mood and PTSD has been denied as the evidence does not show that he meets the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 30 percent from June 16, 2006, to January 31, 2011, or in excess of 50 percent from then on.

The Board found that the Veteran's PTSD did not meet the criteria for a higher rating in excess of 30 percent from September 22, 2008. The TDIU claim was granted as there is at least equipoise evidence showing the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's PTSD has not been shown to result in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a higher disability rating.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since August 12, 2011. The initial rating of 50 percent from July 17, 2008 to August 11, 2011 remains unchanged.

The Veteran's PTSD is productive of occupational and social impairment, with reduced reliability and productivity. The Board finds that the criteria for a 50 percent disability evaluation are met.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his service in Vietnam, and therefore grants service connection for PTSD. The other diagnosed psychiatric disorders are rated under the same General Rating Formula as PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD was dismissed as a matter of law due to the finality of the February 2006 Board decision.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been remanded due to the need for verification of in-service stressors and a VA examination. The appeal is not about service connection for any other condition.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, the maximum schedular rating available. The Board also granted TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as the Board finds that his PTSD does not meet the criteria for a higher initial rating or TDIU, and there are no service-connected conditions related to exposure to burn pits, Agent Orange, Camp Lejeune, radiation, Gulf War Syndrome, or the PACT Act.

The appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant's representative, and thus is dismissed.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records and verification of a specific in-service stressor.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, are service-connected due to a confirmed in-service stressor and competent medical evidence linking it to his current symptoms.