PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The veteran's PTSD is manifested by increased irritability, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, nightmares, intrusive thoughts, episodes of depression, increased startle response, and hypervigilance. This has caused moderate occupational and social impairment due to reduced reliability and productivity. The criteria are not met for an initial rating higher than 50 percent for PTSD.

The VA has determined that the veteran's PTSD manifests with symptoms such as depression, problems sleeping, and irritability, resulting in slightly reduced reliability and productivity. The current 30 percent rating is maintained.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD and hepatitis B/C claims cannot be granted as there is no verified in-service stressor for PTSD, and his hepatitis B/C are not service-connected.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the veteran's claimed PTSD. The RO is instructed to obtain additional medical records and verify any in-service stressors that may lead to a diagnosis of PTSD.

The Board found that the veteran did not serve in combat and there was no corroborating evidence of stressors related to his fear of being sent to Vietnam or incidents of discrimination. The diagnosis of PTSD is based on a claim of flashbacks to the Vietnam War, which he never served in. Therefore, service connection for PTSD cannot be granted.

The Board granted a higher initial rating of 30 percent for service-connected PTSD effective November 2, 2004. The veteran's PTSD symptoms include sleep disturbances, nightmares, intrusive thoughts/flashbacks, and panic attacks.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD is denied as there was no prior claim filed before April 21, 2003.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including depression and PTSD, due to insufficient evidence of verified stressors leading to these diagnoses.

The veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA psychiatric rating examination and obtaining all relevant medical records. The claim will be re-adjudicated after these actions.

The veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 50 percent for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to failure to comply with duty-to-assist requirements.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to verify the veteran's claimed stressors and obtain his treatment records from 1970 to 1973. The case will be remanded for these actions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is related to his service in Vietnam, and thus grants service connection for PTSD.

The veteran's PTSD was granted service connection and rated at 50 percent effective December 28, 2004. The TMJ issue remains unresolved.

The VA has granted a 70 percent disability rating for the veteran's service-connected PTSD, which is currently rated at 50 percent. The decision resolves all reasonable doubt in favor of the veteran.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and PVD, as well as his claim for SMC based on loss of use of a creative organ. The evidence does not support current diagnoses or link to service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including verifying the veteran's in-service personal assault and obtaining her service medical records. The veteran is also to be provided a VA examination to determine if her current PTSD diagnosis is related to an in-service stressor.

The veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent effective from December 7, 1998 to December 20, 2004. The rating for PTSD has been increased to 70 percent effective from December 21, 2004.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, finding that his psychiatric condition did not render him unemployable.

The veteran's PTSD was found to be less severe prior to August 22, 2002 and more severe commencing from that date. The claim for increased evaluations is denied.