PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2009

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current diagnoses of bilateral hearing loss or tinnitus, and therefore service connection for these conditions is denied. The issue of an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD and dysthymic disorder) remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of shell fragment wounds of the arms, wrists and hands is denied. The Board found no medical evidence of such injuries or their residuals. For PTSD, the Veteran's condition does not meet the criteria for a higher initial evaluation.

The Veteran's posttraumatic stress disorder has been rated at 70 percent since the effective date of service connection, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is necessary to address whether there is any relationship between the Veteran's diagnosed cognitive disorder and his service-connected PTSD. The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD remains pending.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating for this condition. The appeal related to secondary service connection for other conditions.

The Board has determined that additional development is required before the appeal can be adjudicated on the merits, as there are conflicting medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran has PTSD and a sleep disorder due to service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to obtain outstanding treatment records and to schedule a VA examination. The issue of entitlement to a rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD will be reconsidered based on the additional evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is severe enough to prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the merits of your claim for service connection for PTSD. This includes verifying in-service stressors and obtaining relevant medical records.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed PTSD was not incurred in or aggravated by active service, as there is no credible evidence of combat involvement and the stressors have not been corroborated. The claim for service connection for PTSD was denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's PTSD and Bipolar Disorder were not incurred in or aggravated by service, as there was no credible evidence of an in-service sexual assault. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete evidence and need for further examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, dysthymic disorder, and depression, was denied as there is no competent evidence linking any current psychiatric condition to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VCAA notice and a VA examination to address the nature of any current psychiatric disorders and their etiology as related to service. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered based on this new evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including a VA examination to assess the current severity of his PTSD and consideration of entitlement to TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have been evaluated at a 50 percent rating since the date of his claim, with no higher as it is currently considered to be directly related to his service.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA audiological and ENT examination.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development due to outstanding VA treatment records from June 2006 to present. The claims of service connection for PTSD, bronchitis, heart disease, Parkinson's disease and an eye disorder will be further evaluated after obtaining these records.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development and consideration of new evidence, including service treatment records and VA treatment records. The Veteran's claims for cardiovascular disorders, chloracne, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) are being reviewed.