PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

For the initial rating period from August 26, 1999 through March 7, 2005, the Veteran's PTSD was manifested by mild or transient symptoms that decreased work efficiency and ability to perform occupational tasks only during periods of significant stress. The criteria for a 10 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 9411 were met.

The Veteran's PTSD is manifested by symptoms of dysphoria, fatigue, lack of motivation, mild difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbance, nightmares, loss of appetite and discomfort when reminded of in-service trauma. These symptoms result in occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks (although generally functioning satisfactorily, with routine behavior, self-care, and conversation normal). The Board finds that a 30 percent rating is warranted for PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been granted. The claim for an extraschedular evaluation for fibromyalgia was denied, and the issue of TDIU is not addressed in this decision but may be considered as part of the TDIU claim.

The Board found no credible evidence of an in-service stressor for PTSD and denied both PTSD and depression claims.

The Veteran's PTSD was found to be incurred in service, with the Board granting service connection based on direct evidence of a stressor related to his military experience.

The Board has remanded the case to clarify whether the Veteran's depression is causally related to service, and to verify the claimed PTSD stressors.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, was not incurred in or aggravated by service and denied her claim. The Board also determined that there is no evidence of carpal tunnel syndrome of the left wrist being related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected, as it was incurred during his active duty in Vietnam.

The Veteran's PTSD has not caused occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking.

The Board has determined that additional development of the claim is necessary prior to appellate review, including providing VCAA notice and gathering VA and private treatment records. The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD will be remanded for further examination and opinion regarding his claimed stressors.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain updated VA outpatient records, schedule appropriate examinations, and adjudicate his diabetes mellitus claim.

The Veteran is seeking compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for PTSD due to a personal assault during VA treatment in 1990 and 1992. The case has been remanded for additional development, including obtaining complaints against the facility from Mountain Home VAMC and records related to the Federal Tort Claims Act lawsuit filed by the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA psychiatric examination to address the nature and etiology of any psychiatric disorder other than PTSD. The claim will be readjudicated after this additional evidence has been considered.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's mental disorder, which includes PTSD with depressive disorder and agoraphobia, approximates occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood. The criteria for a 70 percent disability evaluation have been met.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for PTSD and found that new and material evidence has been received. The Veteran's current diagnosis of PTSD is linked to his in-service exposure to mortar rounds and rocket attacks while serving in Vietnam, with a principal duty as a cannoneer.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, which reflects the severity of his symptoms that include reduced reliability and productivity due to panic attacks, disturbed sleep, disturbances of motivation and mood, and difficulty in establishing effective work and social relationships. The evidence does not show occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, and his left hand disability is rated at 30 percent. The Board has granted the Veteran a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board found no evidence of a current psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, incurred in or aggravated by service. The Veteran's claims for coronary artery disease and erectile dysfunction as secondary to coronary artery disease were also denied.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent prior to June 5, 2009 and increased to 70 percent from that date. The effective date for the 70 percent rating is not specified.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional records and a VA examination. The issues are whether he should receive an increased evaluation for PTSD and if his effective date for service connection should be earlier than May 20, 1999.