PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for postoperative residuals of a left shoulder injury has been granted, and he is now rated at 20 percent from January 16, 2007.,PTSD was granted service connection. The Veteran currently receives a noncompensable rating for hemorrhoids.

The Veteran's PTSD has been characterized by recurrent nightmares and flashbacks of combat, irritability, anger outbursts, hypervigilance, depression, insomnia, passive suicidal and homicidal ideation, memory problems, and feelings of helplessness. For the entire initial rating period, these symptoms have not met the criteria for a 100 percent disability rating due to lack of total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is manifested by occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas such as suicidal ideation, obsessions rituals, impaired impulse control, and difficulty adapting to stressful circumstances. The Board finds that a disability evaluation of 70 percent, but no higher, for the Veteran's service-connected PTSD has been met.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's Substantive Appeal on his claim for service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder was not timely filed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including scheduling a videoconference hearing.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD should be remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the in-service stressor and the need to obtain additional medical records.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, the highest available rating under VA guidelines. The Board also found that he meets criteria for a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was granted, and his right ankle disability was rated at 30 percent effective July 23, 2008. The rating for the right ankle is based on marked impairment of motion.

From June 25, 2008 to September 30, 2009, the Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent disabling due to occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.,Since October 1, 2009, his PTSD warranted a 100 percent disability evaluation due to total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent disabling, effective August 8, 2005.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease is rated at 60 percent since August 1, 2005. The claim for increased initial evaluation for diabetes mellitus remains in appellate status.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder was denied as there is no credible evidence of an in-service stressor and the Veteran did not engage in combat.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected based on a verified in-service stressor event of physical and/or sexual assault during military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining medical records. The Veteran's claim for service connection for chest pain will be reconsidered after these actions are completed.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is granted with a 50% evaluation. Service connection for PTSD and sleep apnea are also granted, while service connection for bilateral hearing loss remains denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations and a social and industrial survey.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a diagnosed PTSD or any other acquired psychiatric disorder related to his military service.

The Board has determined that there is credible evidence corroborating the Veteran's in-service sexual trauma and abuse, supporting a diagnosis of PTSD. As such, service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is found to be service-connected as it was caused by an in-service personal assault, and there is new evidence that supports the claim.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective date were denied as the evidence did not support a higher rating or an earlier effective date.