PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD was denied, and the issue of service connection for the cause of death due to his PTSD was also denied. The Veteran had a pending claim for an increased rating at the time of his death.

From October 6, 2006 to May 6, 2010, the Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent.,Effective May 7, 2010, a rating of 50 percent for PTSD is granted.

The Board has determined that the remand instructions were not followed and the issue of service connection for PTSD is being returned to the RO for further development.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and secondary major depressive disorder, is granted as it is related to his service in Vietnam.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current psychiatric disorder, including PTSD with chronic anxiety and depression, is related to a personal assault he experienced during service. The claim for service connection is granted.

From March 5, 2001, to March 21, 2005, the appellant's PTSD was manifested by total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 70 percent evaluation.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a diagnosed PTSD related to his military service and there is no competent evidence linking any acquired psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD, to his military service or any incident therein.

The Veteran's left ankle sprain is rated at 20 percent, and service connection for PTSD, major depressive disorder, and migraine headaches (secondary to fibromyalgia) has been granted. The claim for service connection for fibromyalgia remains pending.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a 70 percent evaluation, effective October 8, 2002. The Board also found that the Veteran is unemployable due to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent disabling, and he was granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected PTSD. The other claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and skin impairment were remanded.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection in full, including reopening of previously denied claims and granting new evaluations.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of PTSD and service connection for a low back condition were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support an evaluation in excess of 30 percent for PTSD or service connection for a low back disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD are being remanded due to the need to obtain Social Security Administration (SSA) records and VA treatment records.

The Veteran's claim to reopen his previously denied claim of entitlement to an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD was denied due to his failure, without good cause, to report for a VA examination scheduled in conjunction with the appeal.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to assess whether the Veteran's PTSD is related to his in-service stressor and if so, whether he should be granted service connection for PTSD. The issue of sleep disorder will also be addressed as it is intertwined with the PTSD claim.

The Veteran's death was caused by coronary atherosclerosis, which is presumed to be related to his service-connected PTSD and the addition of ischemic heart disease to the list of presumptive diseases. The Board finds that service connection for the cause of death is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, reflecting moderate occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is productive of symptoms such as depressed mood, anxiety, suspiciousness, panic attacks, memory loss, and chronic sleep impairment. The Board finds that the disability warrants a 30 percent evaluation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD; a balance disorder manifested by vertigo; and a gastrointestinal disorder. The claim for sarcoidosis was not reopened as new and material evidence had not been received.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal regarding the issues of service connection for PTSD, hearing loss, tinnitus, sleep apnea, and a skin rash to the hands.