PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's PTSD is service-connected as it is related to his in-service motor vehicle accident, which constitutes a verified stressor.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in reduced reliability and productivity, but did not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The initial rating of 50 percent was granted prior to July 16, 2007.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, a skin disorder (claimed as jungle rot), and a low back disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional development including proper VCAA notice, updated treatment records, and VA examinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD, finding that no additional action was required based on the submitted records.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, the maximum schedular rating available. The Board found that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they are severe but do not result in total occupational and social impairment.

The Board found no evidence linking the Veteran's current hearing loss, tinnitus, psychiatric disorder, heart disease, stroke, seizures, cold injuries to service or any specific exposure. The Veteran's assertions were not credible and his claims for these conditions were denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD has not been reopened. The claim for hepatitis C is established as the disease was caused by in-service and post-service intravenous drug use. The right knee disability rating remains denied.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 70 percent effective February 2, 2005, and a TDIU was granted effective the same date.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran did not meet the diagnostic criteria for a current diagnosis of PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and to schedule her for a VA examination. The claims will be returned to the Board only if she perfects her appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, which is found to be proximately due to or the result of his service-connected right and left knee disabilities. The Veteran's neck disorder and arthritis are also found to be secondary to his service-connected right and left knee disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the VA RO for further development, including a new examination and consideration of his claim for TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has been shown to be manifested by symptoms such as depression, nightmares, avoidance of activities and people, diminished interest, or participation in significant activities, feelings of detachment from others, irritability, difficulty concentrating, memory impairment, disturbances of motivation and mood, blunted affect, and GAF scores ranging from 50 to 55. The Veteran's PTSD demonstrates occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, anxiety disorder, and depressive disorder, are related to his active service.

The Board has remanded the case for further proceedings consistent with a Memorandum Decision, including obtaining additional evidence and notifying the Veteran of his rights to submit alternative sources of evidence to corroborate his stressor.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as her conditions did not manifest during active duty or to a compensable degree within the presumptive period.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found that the Veteran has PTSD secondary to a personal assault, but did not find evidence of current disabilities related to low back disorder, osteoarthritis of the hands, or respiratory disorder. Service connection was also denied for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the evidence supports a link between the Veteran's military service and his current condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain missing VA medical records and potentially arrange for a new VA examination. The claim remains on hold until all necessary actions are completed.

The Veteran's PTSD with Major Depressive Disorder has been rated at 50 percent since June 20, 2006.