PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is due to a verified in-service stressor, specifically an assault by his drill instructor during basic training. As such, service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new psychiatric examination to assess whether any acquired psychiatric disorders are caused or aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected right foot disability.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder with PTSD features is characterized by occupational and social impairment, but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to verify the Veteran's claimed service stressors and any relevant records.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a psychiatric examination to determine if the Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities are related to her service and specifically to harassment during periods of Inactive Duty Training (IDT).

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, specifically PTSD, and for increased ratings for major depressive disorder were denied. The claim for TDIU remains pending.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is not etiologically related to his active service.

The Board denied an initial rating higher than 70 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder, but granted service connection for a thoracolumbar spine disability and an earlier effective date for the grant of a total disability compensation rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's PTSD is characterized by intrusive thoughts, nightmares, impaired impulse control including violence, anhedonia, depression, memory and concentration impairment, and poor interpersonal skills. The Board finds that the criteria for a 70 percent evaluation have been met.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and schizophrenia, were not shown to be incurred in or aggravated by service. The Board found that the claimed stressors are not supported by credible evidence.

The Veteran has been granted service connection for PTSD with depressive disorder, which is related to an in-service personal assault.

The Veteran's PTSD results in social isolation, a depressed mood, and heightened anger and irritability. The Board finds that the disability does not meet or approximate the criteria for a 70 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 9411.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge. The issues of service connection and reopening claims are not addressed as this case has been returned to the Board.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluation of a left hand scar, reopening of migraine headaches and PTSD service connection claims have all been denied. The acquired psychiatric disability claim has not been addressed in this decision.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression is currently rated at 70 percent, and he meets the criteria for TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and traumatic amputation of the left hand, are found to require regular aid and attendance due to his physical limitations and mental health issues. The Board has granted an increased rate of SMC based on this need.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to verify the Veteran's claimed in-service stressor event and determine if it occurred. The Veteran contends he witnessed a fellow soldier accidentally kill himself, but there is no evidence of such an incident during his service at Camp Pendleton.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcoholism and insomnia resulted in reduced reliability and productivity from January 4, 2007 through September 29, 2008. From September 30, 2008, the disability produced deficiencies in most areas including work, family relations, and mood.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including new VA audiological and psychiatric examinations to address the claims of bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and PTSD.