PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Board found no credible evidence of a verified in-service stressor for PTSD, and thus denied the claim.

The Board has remanded the case for scheduling a Travel Board Hearing at the RO in Montgomery, Alabama.

The Board found that the Veteran's psychiatric condition, including PTSD and concussion-related conditions, was not incurred in or aggravated by service. The evidence did not establish a direct relationship between his current psychiatric symptoms and his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD has been characterized by reduced reliability and productivity, but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

PTSD rated at 30 percent prior to January 13, 2009 and increased to 50 percent effective January 13, 2009.,Left ankle injury with arthritis rated at 10 percent prior to January 13, 2009 and increased to 20 percent effective January 13, 2009.,Right knee injury rated at 10 percent prior to July 28, 2006 and increased to 30 percent from July 28, 2006 to January 13, 2009. Since then, the rating is 20 percent.,PTSD granted effective August 9, 2005; left ankle injury with arthritis rated at 10 percent prior to July 28, 2006 and increased to 20 percent from July 28, 2006 to January 13, 2009. Right knee injury rated at 10 percent prior to July 28, 2006 and increased to 30 percent from July 28, 2006 to January 13, 2009.

The Board has ordered further development to verify the Veteran's alleged stressful events in service and to obtain his military 'Record of Assignments' for the period from September 1970 to March 1974. The case is REMANDED for these actions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional treatment records from the Vet Center and for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is the result of his military service, and therefore grants service connection for PTSD with depression.

For the period of November 16, 2004 to September 27, 2007, the Veteran's PTSD was manifested by occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. After September 27, 2007, his PTSD was manifested by occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's PTSD was found to be causally related to service, and the Board granted service connection for PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection of PTSD based on verified in-service stressors, as there is no current diagnosis of PTSD related to his confirmed combat and noncombat-related stressors.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and depression due to a lack of verified in-service stressors.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to January 13, 2004 for the grant of service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder was denied. The Board found that there was no evidence indicating a claim for PTSD before January 13, 2004 and thus the effective date is set at the date of receipt of the reopened claim.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for further development, including obtaining VA outpatient treatment records and a psychiatric examination to distinguish service-connected PTSD from any nonservice-connected psychiatric disorders. Additionally, a tinnitus evaluation is required.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is rated at 70 percent, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and PTSD have been granted service connection, with the PTSD receiving a 30 percent initial rating.

The Board has determined that the evidence is not sufficiently developed to make a decision on the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD. The Veteran's current diagnosis of PTSD is linked to his service in Vietnam, but the specific stressors have not been verified.

The Veteran's PTSD is productive of occupational and social impairment that most nearly approximates deficiencies in most areas but is not productive of total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 70 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD was denied. The issues of service connection for a seizure disorder and a cervical spine disability were also addressed, but the decision is not provided.