PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Board found that the Veteran's PTSD symptoms did not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD and therefore denied his claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD warrants a disability rating of 70 percent as of June 12, 2000, based on symptoms such as infrequent suicidal ideation, spatial disorientation, increased memory impairment, and poor judgment resulting in deficiencies in areas such as work, judgment and family life. The criteria for a higher initial evaluation have not been met prior to that date.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability (variously classified as PTSD, depression NOS, and anxiety disorder NOS) is found to be directly related to his service in Vietnam.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from keeping himself clean, attending to his needs, or avoiding daily hazards without assistance. The Board finds that he meets the criteria for SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance for purposes of accrued benefits.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to conflicting evidence regarding whether the Veteran has PTSD and whether any psychiatric disability is related to service.

The Veteran's PTSD causes significant impairment in work, social interactions, and judgment, warranting a higher initial rating of 70 percent.

The Veteran is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities, and the Board has granted TDIU.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD with major depression has been granted, and he is now entitled to the benefit sought.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and VA treatment records. The case will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the nature and likely etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric, cognitive, right knee, and left knee disabilities. The case will be remanded for these purposes.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and panic attacks, are not manifest by total occupational and social impairment. The Board finds that the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 70 percent have not been met.

The Board found that credible supporting evidence of an in-service stressor to support the diagnosis of PTSD has not been presented, and as a result, the appellant's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied.

The Veteran withdrew her appeal concerning the issue of entitlement to an initial disability rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD.

The appellant's PTSD is rated at 50 percent disabling, reflecting significant impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted, as there is evidence of a current diagnosis and credible supporting evidence of an in-service stressor.

The Veteran's sleep apnea did not have its onset in active service and is not otherwise etiologically related to service. The Board finds that the preponderance of the evidence is against his claim for entitlement to service connection for sleep apnea.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for further development, including verification of stressors and a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, scheduling a new VA psychiatric examination, and considering all evidence in determining whether service connection is warranted for PTSD or depression.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to inconsistencies in the medical records and need for further examination. The issues of service connection for vertigo and PTSD are pending.

The Board found the Veteran's claimed in-service stressors less than credible and thus denied service connection for PTSD, depression, and anxiety disorders. The headache claim was also denied.