PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lay testimony alone may establish the occurrence of a stressor related to his fear of hostile military or terrorist activity, leading to service connection for PTSD and depression.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA psychiatric examination to determine if any current psychiatric disability, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, was incurred or aggravated in service. The claim will be reviewed based on the examination report.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is not etiologically related to his period of service and does not meet the criteria for secondary service connection based on a service-connected disorder.

The Board found that the cause of the Veteran's death was not related to his active duty service or any service-connected disability, including PTSD.

The Board found that the Veteran's current PTSD with depressive disorder, NOS is of service origin and granted her claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's symptoms meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD, which is considered service-connected based on direct evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and a need for additional examination. The Veteran's claims file must be reviewed, including Social Security Administration records, and an updated opinion on service connection for PTSD and other acquired psychiatric disorders must be provided.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for PTSD and prostate cancer were denied, as the claims are considered withdrawn due to his request. The appeal for a compensable rating for erectile dysfunction is pending.

The Veteran's PTSD has more nearly approximated the criteria for a 100 percent schedular evaluation throughout the period from March 1, 2006 to the present.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining more detailed information about in-service stressors and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination to determine the nature, extent, and etiology of his PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD has been characterized by symptoms such as nightmares, intrusive thoughts, social avoidance, mild hypervigilance, and difficulty concentrating. However, these symptoms have not resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD results in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, including work, family relations, and mood. The disability prevents her from engaging in substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's previously denied claims of service connection for PTSD, benign prostatic hypertrophy, a skin disability (dyshidrotic eczema of both feet), hypertension, any abnormality of the reproductive system, and benign prostatic hypertrophy. The claims are now reopened.

The Veteran's attorney was awarded fees for representing him in his claim of service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder, which resulted in a grant of benefits. The attorney is entitled to 20% of the past due benefits from November 17, 2005, to January 29, 2008.

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 including obtaining unit history and higher command information regarding enemy actions or actions against the enemy at his service locations. A VA examination will also be conducted.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent prior to October 8, 2008 and 30 percent beginning October 8, 2008. The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher ratings and TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since the initial rating decision, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's PTSD is manifested by severe impairment in social and occupational functioning, including frequent nightmares, intrusive thoughts, hypervigilance, irritability, and difficulty with concentration. The Board has determined that a 70 percent rating for PTSD is warranted.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional development, including a VA examination and Social Security Administration records.

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