PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since December 11, 2008. The rating is granted as the symptoms are consistent with occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

For the period from March 17, 2003 to November 26, 2007, the Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent.,Since November 27, 2007, the Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and right elbow disability do not render him unable to care for daily personal needs without regular assistance from others or to protect himself from the hazards of his home environment, nor are they housebound. Therefore, he is not entitled to special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance or being housebound.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD was granted, and service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus was established. The decision also addressed the reopening of a previously denied claim for hearing loss.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD, an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, an eye disorder, a disability manifested by chest pains, and low back disability. The Veteran's vertigo was not found to be related to service or a service-connected condition.

The Board has determined that the claims files are incomplete and requires additional development, including a search for missing records and VA examinations. The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD or other acquired psychiatric disorder is also remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional treatment records, as well as possible SSA records. The Veteran seeks an increased evaluation for his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new examination and consideration of his TDIU claim.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the appellant's claims, including obtaining medical records and opinions regarding the cause of death and whether VA care caused or contributed to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms, including suicidal and homicidal ideations, frequent panic attacks, and avoidance behaviors, have been rated at the highest possible level of disability (70 percent) throughout the appeal period. His right foot disability has also been evaluated at a moderate level (10 percent). The Veteran is now receiving a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his PTSD.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder, finding that the evidence is in equipoise and resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since October 1, 2004. The Board found that the symptoms of his PTSD more nearly approximated reduced reliability and productivity than deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's PTSD results in significant occupational and social impairment, warranting a higher initial rating of 70 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent from September 2, 2007 through April 13, 2011. The Board found that the symptoms did not warrant a higher rating during this period.

The Veteran claims service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression. The case is being remanded to provide proper VCAA notice and to obtain a VA examination addressing the expanded claim.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a VA psychiatric examination to determine if the Veteran's diagnosed psychiatric disabilities are related to his military service. The appeal is now pending again with the RO.

The Veteran is seeking an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD. The Board has determined that there are issues related to clear and unmistakable error which need to be addressed before a final decision can be made.

The Board has determined that there is a reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, and thus grants the claim.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since July 16, 2010, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent since September 22, 2006. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating.