PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent, reflecting significant impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity from August 12, 2004 to April 19, 2009.

The Board has granted service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder with a 50% evaluation, effective July 17, 2006. The Veteran's appeal of other issues is dismissed.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to verify the Veteran's reported in-service personal assault and stressors, as well as to obtain a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of her psychiatric conditions. The case will be returned for further action.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD have been granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the current severity of his PTSD with depressive disorder. The issue of entitlement to TDIU will also be addressed.

The Veteran's posttraumatic stress disorder has not resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a higher initial rating before February 27, 2007.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a PTSD examination.

The Veteran's PTSD was found to have resulted in moderate impairment from the date of claim, November 1, 2004 to April 30, 2010. From April 30, 2010, forward, his PTSD manifested with severe symptoms warranting a higher evaluation.

The Veteran seeks an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD, which was granted in 2001. The Board has remanded the case to further develop the record and determine if there is a pre-existing condition that could be considered as part of the current claim.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that it is related to an in-service stressor involving physical abuse and self-defense during confinement.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since July 26, 2011, due to occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied. His initial compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss prior to May 27, 2010, and his request for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for bilateral hearing loss from that date were also denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining additional VA medical records and a PTSD examination. The issues of entitlement to an evaluation in excess of 50 percent for PTSD and entitlement to TDIU are inextricably intertwined.

The Veteran's PTSD has been characterized by isolation, debilitating panic attacks, nightmares, difficulty sleeping, poor concentration, and an inability to establish effective relationships. The Board finds a 70 percent evaluation is warranted beginning October 7, 2007.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, and PTSD. The Veteran's account of in-service stressors is credible, and his current psychiatric symptoms are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is entitled to service connection for a panic disorder with agoraphobia, as this condition is related to his military service. However, there is insufficient evidence to establish PTSD based on combat exposure.

The Veteran does not have congestive heart failure, PTSD, or bipolar disorder that is related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the current level of severity of his service-connected PTSD and consideration of any new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and PTSD, are related to his active service. The Board finds that these conditions were likely caused by substance abuse during service.