PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Board denied the veteran's service connection claim for a low back disability and his increased rating claim for PTSD. The Board found that there is no objective evidence showing that the veteran currently has a chronic disability of the low back, and thus denied the claim. For PTSD, the Board determined that the current 30 percent evaluation adequately reflects the severity of the condition.

Between March 29, 2005 and May 13, 2007, the veteran's PTSD was characterized by depression, anxiety, mild forgetfulness and confusion, chronic sleep impairment with nightmares, intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, hypervigilance, irritability, and estrangement from his family. However, symptoms such as flattened affect; circumstantial, circumlocutory, or stereotyped speech; panic attacks more than once a week; difficulty in understanding complex commands; impaired judgment; impaired abstract thinking; disturbances of motivation were not shown.,Since May 14, 2007, the veteran's PTSD has been characterized by chronic sleep disturbances with nightmares, occasional panic attacks with flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, a depressed mood, difficulty concentrating, and social isolation. However, symptoms such as obsessional rituals which interfere with routine activities; speech intermittently illogical, obscure, or irrelevant; near-continuous panic or depression affecting the ability to function independently, appropriately and effectively; impaired impulse control (such as unprovoked irritability with periods of violence); spatial disorientation; and inability to establish and maintain effective relationships were not shown.

The Board found that the veteran's PTSD was not incurred in or aggravated by his active duty military service and denied his claim.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including a VA psychiatric examination to determine if PTSD is present based on corroborated stressors in service. The veteran's claim of service connection for a skin disorder of the feet remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and opinion regarding the veteran's psychiatric disability, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and mood disorder. The examiner is to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, effective December 2003. His back disorder remains at a 20 percent rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the veteran's claimed in-service stressors and psychiatric disorders.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis C and an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for PTSD prior to February 2, 2005. However, it granted a 30 percent rating for PTSD beginning from February 2, 2005.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD, finding that his symptoms did not warrant a higher evaluation based on the evidence provided.

The VA determined that the veteran's PTSD does not warrant a higher rating, as it is currently evaluated at 10 percent and reflects mild or transient symptoms only during periods of significant stress.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD does not warrant a disability rating in excess of 50 percent, as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under Diagnostic Code 9411.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder and a rash on the legs, finding that there is no verified in-service stressor event or chronic disability related to these conditions.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD, afibrillation, high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, Charcot joint disease, and left foot disability. The veteran's claims were not granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and verifying any service in Vietnam. The TDIU claim is also pending.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD should be remanded due to incomplete evidence and procedural issues.

The veteran's PTSD has increased in severity since his last VA examination, and he is currently unemployable due to the severity of his symptoms. The case is being remanded for further development including obtaining SSA decision records and a VA examination.

The veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent prior to February 13, 2007 and at 50 percent on and after that date. The appeal is denied as the disability rating does not meet the criteria for a higher initial or increased rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD warrants a 70 percent disability rating, effective from the date of receipt of his claim in November 2005.

The veteran's PTSD, right leg scar, and burns of the hands are currently rated as 10 percent disabling. The Board denied his claims for higher ratings on these conditions. Service connection was not established for residuals of burns to the face, bilateral hearing loss, or tinnitus.