PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for his PTSD rating and for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disorders.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional medical records and a retrospective medical opinion regarding his PTSD from May 12, 2004, to February 1, 2007. The TDIU issue must also be addressed as it is inextricably intertwined with the higher initial disability evaluation claim.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to assess the current level of severity of the Veteran's PTSD and for obtaining outstanding VA treatment records. The claim will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Veteran's PTSD causes total occupational and social impairment, warranting the highest possible rating of 100 percent.

The Board found that there is no credible evidence of a traumatic pelvic examination resulting in miscarriage, and the Veteran's stressors are not verified. As such, service connection for PTSD was denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including broken teeth, migraine headaches, head injury, dislocated shoulder, hip arthritis, knee arthritis, nose and jaw injuries, diabetes mellitus, thyroid issues, lung problems, throat issues, breathing problems, allergies, gum bleeding, loss of smell/taste, sleep apnea, swallowing problems (dysphagia), blepharitis, ulcers, chronic fatigue syndrome, psychiatric disorders, fear of heights, memory problems, and insomnia are not supported by the evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have resulted in total occupational and social impairment over the entire appeals period. As a result, he is entitled to a 100 percent rating for his PTSD since March 7, 2005.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple rating decisions for PTSD, including initial and subsequent increases in ratings. The claims also include a request for TDIU due to service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD was found to not meet the criteria for a disability evaluation in excess of 10 percent, as it did not result in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted as his reported in-service stressor has been conceded, he has a current diagnosis of PTSD, and there is medical evidence linking his symptoms to the in-service stressor.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD has been granted, as his symptoms are related to a fear of hostile military activity during his service in Korea.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including obtaining additional medical opinions to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD).

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, a respiratory disability, and a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran did not have a chronic respiratory disability during his period of active duty or since filing his claim.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, the maximum schedular rating available. The Board finds that his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent prior to June 4, 2007, and increased to 100 percent effective from that date. The Board found the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The Board finds that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD does not warrant a rating in excess of 70 percent, as his symptoms are already contemplated by this rating.

The Veteran's PTSD and alcohol dependence have been granted a higher rating, with the PTSD receiving a 70% rating effective May 15, 2009.

The appeal is being remanded to the Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office for further action, including scheduling a hearing at the Oakland, California Regional Office.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including posttraumatic stress disorder and bipolar disorder, is being remanded due to the need for further development regarding alleged stressors.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's PTSD is related to his in-service stressors and obtaining all available mental health records. The appeal will be returned to the Board after these actions are completed.