PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2006

The Board denied the veteran's request to reopen his claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD, finding that no new and material evidence had been received. The other issues regarding increased rating and TDIU were not addressed in this decision.

The Board denied a rating higher than 70 percent for PTSD, finding that the veteran's disability did not meet the criteria for total occupational and social impairment.

The veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need to obtain additional outpatient mental health treatment records from March 1990 through August 1990, including those at the U.S. Army Hospital in Nuremberg, Germany.

The Board found that the veteran's claimed residuals of a head injury were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder was also addressed, but is being remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to verify the veteran's service stressors and obtain treatment records from Dr. Park, the VA clinic in Vineland, New Jersey, and the veteran's wife.

The veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a psychiatric examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for PTSD prior to May 1, 2005 and for an effective date prior to December 24, 2003 for service connection of PTSD. The evidence did not support a diagnosis of PTSD during the period at issue.

The veteran's PTSD was initially rated at 10 percent prior to October 22, 2004 and increased to 50 percent as of that date.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including stressor verification and medical examinations to determine the etiology of various conditions.

The veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for an updated VA examination and clarification of treatment records. The claim will be reconsidered based on this new evidence.

The veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board found that the veteran's bipolar disorder did not originate during his active military service and denied the claim for service connection. The issue of PTSD is addressed in the REMAND portion.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to conflicting diagnoses of PTSD and a need for further development, including obtaining records from the Lougaris VA Medical Center and asking the veteran to provide additional information.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected anxiety disorder associated with PTSD warrants a rating of 70 percent since February 23, 2001.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development and consideration of his claims. The RO will schedule a hearing, issue statements of the case on certain issues, and return the case to the Board after these actions.

The veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were incurred in service, and his PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent. The claims are granted.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD is shown to be productive of a disability picture that more nearly approximates the criteria for a 70 percent evaluation, but not higher. The Board has granted an increased rating of 70 percent for the service-connected PTSD.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, a right knee disability, and a back disability. The evidence did not support these claims.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD, tinnitus, and chronic liver disease secondary to Hepatitis C. The veteran was not diagnosed with PTSD during or after service. Tinnitus is not related to service. Chronic liver disease is more likely due to the veteran's history of intravenous drug use.

The veteran withdrew his appeal for an initial compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss at a hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals. The issue of entitlement to an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for PTSD is remanded for further action.