PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain updated VA treatment records, conduct new medical examinations for emphysema and PTSD, and ensure all relevant evidence is considered in the claims file.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine if any current psychiatric disability was incurred or aggravated in service.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression is rated at 50 percent disabling, effective January 11, 2008.

The Board has determined that the effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD cannot be earlier than February 25, 2005 as there is no valid claim or evidence to support such a determination. The Veteran's claim was denied in September 2006 with an effective date set at February 25, 2005.

The Veteran's appeal for restoration of a 50% disability rating for PTSD was granted, and he is now rated at 50%. The issue of an increased rating to over 50% remains unresolved.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of a soft tissue injury of the left hand are manifested by intermittent tightness and aching, with no limitation of motion or ankylosis. He is not entitled to a compensable disability rating.,The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is manifested by difficulty sleeping, nightmares two to three times per week, exaggerated startle response, depressed mood, and avoidance of public places. The criteria for an initial disability rating in excess of 30 percent have not been met.

The Veteran's PTSD has been found to approximate total occupational and social impairment due to symptoms such as suicidal ideation, near-continuous panic or depression affecting the ability to function independently, inappropriate behavior in the form of angry outbursts, and intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling a VA examination to assess his ability to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran has withdrawn her appeal for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD.

The Board has granted service connection for anxiety and major depressive disorders, reopening the claim previously denied in 1967. The Veteran's psychiatric conditions are found to be related to his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired neuropsychiatric disorder other than PTSD and major depressive disorder were not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms worsened significantly starting from September 8, 2004, warranting a 100% disability evaluation effective that date.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD due to the lack of credible evidence supporting an in-service stressor and current valid diagnosis.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD and a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD were denied, while his claim for an increased rating for the residual scar of left inguinal hernia was granted at a 10% disability level.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD is granted as the diagnosed PTSD is related to his in-service stressor, which occurred during his active duty.

The Veteran's PTSD has not met the criteria for a higher initial evaluation in either of the specified periods.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to a need for clarification on whether the Veteran's psychiatric disorder is related to service, specifically naval service. The claim will be reconsidered after this additional development.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a higher initial rating of 50% effective August 20, 2010. His low back disability remains at 40%. The Board also found that the Veteran is unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional medical records.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to determine the validity of the Veteran's claims for PTSD and a heart disorder, including obtaining VA treatment records and examining the Veteran for PTSD.