PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and adjustment disorder, is related to his service.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD prior to June 5, 2007 is being remanded due to the need for clarification from Dr. D regarding her opinion on the Veteran's unemployability.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD in October 2000, finding that the Veteran did not currently have PTSD and that the evidence did not support a diagnosis of PTSD.

The Board has ordered further development due to the need for additional evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed stressor and his diagnosed psychiatric conditions. The case will be remanded for these purposes.

For the period prior to February 19, 2008, the impairment caused by the Veteran's PTSD symptoms with secondary major depression disorder more nearly approximated occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have a valid claim for accrued benefits as there was no pending claim at the time of her husband's death, and thus denied the claim.

For the period prior to February 21, 2008, the Veteran's PTSD was manifested by symptoms of depressed mood, anxiety, chronic sleep impairment, and panic attacks.,For the period beginning on May 1, 2008, the Veteran's PTSD was manifested by symptoms of depressed mood, anxiety, chronic sleep impairment, panic attacks, near-continuous symptoms affecting the ability to function independently, appropriate, and effectively, difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances, and difficulty in establishing effective work and social relationships.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is granted as the evidence supports a finding that his current diagnosis of PTSD is related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, reflecting moderate impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Veteran's service connection for a respiratory disorder and PTSD have been granted. The Veteran was awarded an initial 70% disability evaluation for PTSD prior to December 13, 2009, but the appeal is mixed as some issues were granted while others were denied.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type 2, is granted as secondary to Agent Orange exposure. His bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus are presumed due to in-service acoustic trauma. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is granted based on presumed combat experience.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board finds that his claim for TDIU is warranted on a schedular basis.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a higher rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, has been productive of occupational and social impairment in most areas due to symptoms such as depression affecting the ability to function independently; difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances; and an inability to establish and maintain effective relationships. The Board finds that a 50 percent rating is warranted.

The Veteran seeks service connection for PTSD and anxiety, but the claim is being remanded due to a lack of relevant treatment records.

The VA determined that the appellant's PTSD did not warrant a rating higher than 30 percent, as his symptoms were consistent with occupational and social impairment due to mild memory loss and occasional decrease in work efficiency.

The Board has determined that an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for PTSD is denied as the claim was received on July 19, 2005.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that new and material evidence was submitted to reopen the claim. The Veteran's fear of hostile military or terrorist activity during his service in Vietnam is sufficient to support a diagnosis of PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for an increased initial rating for his service-connected PTSD is being remanded due to the need to obtain Social Security Administration records and conduct further development.

The Board has determined that additional development of the record is needed to determine if the Veteran's service-connected disabilities preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.