PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's PTSD is characterized by symptoms such as hypervigilance, exaggerated startle response, nightmares, irritability, and difficulty establishing effective work and social relationships. However, the evidence does not support a higher disability rating due to lack of impairment in most areas or total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination and consideration of the recent treatment records. The case will be returned to the Board for further consideration.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have improved, but they still cause moderate impairment in social and occupational functioning. The Board found that the criteria for a higher rating were not met.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, was incurred as a result of an in-service personal assault. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and initial ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities were denied. The Board found that there was no evidence to support a finding of service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unemployable at the time of his death, and thus he was not entitled to a TDIU for accrued benefits purposes.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD disability alone does not render him unemployable, and his current 50% rating adequately compensates for his employment difficulties.

The Veteran's claim for an increased initial rating in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional VA and non-VA treatment records, as well as a new VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including chronic schizophrenia, paranoid schizophrenia, adjustment disorder with depressed mood, and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his claims file.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination. The Veteran's claim of entitlement to an evaluation in excess of 30 percent for PTSD is pending.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently evaluated at a 50 percent rating, and the Board finds that this level of disability does not warrant an increased rating.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, effective February 23, 2006. The evidence shows that the disability results in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination. The case will be readjudicated after these steps are completed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his service in Vietnam, and thus grants service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional notice and further evidentiary development.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a left shoulder disorder due to his Merchant Marine service not qualifying as active military service. The Board also found that new and material evidence had been received to reopen the claim of service connection for an innocently acquired psychiatric disorder, but remanded for further development including obtaining VA treatment records.

The Veteran's service connection claim for residuals of a sternoclavicular sprain is granted. The Board finds that the Veteran has provided credible evidence to establish continuity of symptoms since service and current disability, warranting service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule a videoconference hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals. The issues include service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, alcohol abuse, and reopening a claim for polycythemia vera.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and a VA examination to determine whether she has PTSD and if her hypertension is secondary to her service-connected low back disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to inadequate reasons and bases for denying his claim of entitlement to an initial rating higher than 30 percent for PTSD. The Board will need to reevaluate the severity of his PTSD and obtain updated medical records.