PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have improved, resulting in a higher disability rating of 50 percent effective June 11, 2010.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected PTSD, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including dysthymic disorder and PTSD, has resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a 70 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for a back disability was denied as new and material evidence had not been submitted. The claims of service connection for bronchitis, hearing loss, sleep apnea, hypertension, ulcers, and hemorrhoids were also denied. Service connection for PTSD was granted with an initial 50 percent rating.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, effective August 15, 2008. The Board finds that the evidence supports a higher rating of 70 percent for PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for further development regarding whether the Veteran's discharge from active military service is a bar to his surviving spouse receiving VA benefits.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since March 8, 2007.

The Veteran's appeal involves a dispute over the appropriate initial rating for his PTSD. The Board finds that he is entitled to at least a 50 percent evaluation, but more development is needed before determining whether a higher rating is warranted.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since the date of claim, and the Board finds that a higher rating of 70 percent is warranted for the entire initial rating period.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, notifying the Veteran of the criteria necessary to establish a permanent rating for his PTSD, and scheduling an examination by a VA psychiatrist.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that this rating adequately reflects the severity of his disability.

The Veteran's claim to reopen his previously denied claims for service connection for major depression and chronic acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, has been granted. The case is remanded for further development regarding the specific stressors claimed by the Veteran.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, when considered together, are sufficient to render him unable to reliably perform gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the accrued benefits claims for papillary squamous cell carcinoma, degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine, right ankle disability, thyroid disability, PTSD, and depression to issue a Statement of the Case.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining outstanding treatment records and scheduling a new VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is found to preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment due to his disability, resulting in a TDIU rating.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50% from November 17, 2004 to January 21, 2008 and increased to 70% since January 22, 2008. The claim for a higher rating is granted.

The Board has deferred the decision on educational assistance benefits pending resolution of the service connection claim for PTSD with secondary alcohol abuse. The Veteran's request for a video conference hearing and appeal regarding his character of discharge have also been noted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for depression and PTSD were denied as there is no competent evidence of record to support these diagnoses.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for substance abuse addiction, claimed as secondary to his service-connected PTSD, has been denied. The evidence does not support a finding of current disability due to drug use incurred during or aggravated by service.