PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome is causally related to his military service and granted service connection for this condition. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and depression, remains pending as it was not addressed in the decision.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression and anxiety is currently rated at 50 percent, effective December 17, 2004.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling an RO hearing. The appellant's claim of service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder remains on appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated as 30 percent disabling. The Board has determined that a remand is required to allow for further development of the record, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a new psychiatric examination.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD based on the Veteran's in-service personal assault, and found that he did not have a current psychiatric disability as the result of a disease or injury in service.

The Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is granted. The issue of a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss remains pending.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and Borderline Personality Disorder, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are linked to in-service personal assault. The other claims were remanded back to the RO.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent, reflecting moderate symptoms such as depressed mood and occasional panic attacks.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is manifested by difficulty sleeping, depression, suicidal ideation without plan or intent, anxiety, social isolation, avoidance, irritability, panic attacks, hypervigilance and an inability to adapt to stressful circumstances. The criteria for a 70 percent evaluation have been met.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD was dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and a skin disorder of the hands and feet was denied. The Board found no current diagnosis of PTSD, and there is no evidence linking any current skin condition to service or presumed exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran's PTSD disability rating was increased to 70 percent, and his hypertension and GERD disabilities are found to be secondary to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, and his duodenal ulcer is rated at 20 percent. Service connection for prostate disability and diabetes mellitus are granted due to herbicide exposure in the Gulf War.

The Veteran's depression NOS is found to be secondary to her service-connected post traumatic seizure disorder with headaches, and she is granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability is denied as the evidence does not show he was unable to work prior to January 3, 2008.,The Veteran's eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits under Chapter 35, Title 38, is also denied as his claim cannot be granted earlier than January 3, 2008.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his failure to appear for a scheduled Board hearing. The case will be returned to the RO to arrange for a new hearing.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 30 percent from April 19, 2010 to August 15, 2010 and in excess of 30 percent thereafter. The Veteran's prostate cancer residuals are rated as 20 percent since June 1, 2009.

The Veteran's PTSD with polysubstance dependence is rated at 50 percent disabling, effective from the date of the decision. The rating reflects his severe substance abuse and hospitalizations but not yet meeting criteria for a higher rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for PTSD and granted service connection for right superior quadrantanopsia. The decision on right superior quadrantanopsia is based on direct evidence of a current disability, as it was present during service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as her claimed PTSD and major depressive disorder are not related to in-service events or treatment, and the evidence does not support a finding of additional disability due to VA care.