PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2009

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining more detailed information from the Veteran regarding his alleged stressors and attempting to corroborate them through unit records. The Veteran's claims for PTSD and hearing loss will be reconsidered based on this new evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and de novo consideration of his claims.

The Board has granted the applications to reopen claims for service connection for PTSD and a low back disorder, finding that new evidence supports these claims. Service connection is also granted for PTSD due to witnessing an in-service plane crash.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain VA medical records, SSA records, and a psychiatric examination. The claims for an increased evaluation for his psychiatric condition and TDIU will be reconsidered after these actions.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims for PTSD and headaches, including migraine headaches. The case is being remanded for further development of the records and a medical examination.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since April 26, 2007. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating prior to this date.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder was dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for PTSD and other acquired psychiatric disabilities. The case has been remanded to obtain missing Vet Center records, corroborate stressors, ascertain the Veteran's current address, schedule a VA examination, and readjudicate the claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and verification of in-service stressors.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated as 50 percent disabling, and the Board finds that this rating adequately reflects the severity of his disability. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating or TDIU.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and PTSD are granted as incurred in service.

The Board found that the Veteran's substantive appeal was untimely filed, and thus denied his claim for service connection for PTSD. The issue of an increased disability rating for PTSD is also denied.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records and a new VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, a low back disorder, and PTSD. The Veteran's claims are supported by credible evidence of in-service stressors and medical diagnoses linking his current conditions to those events.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 70 percent effective November 3, 2004. The claim for an earlier effective date is granted.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD is granted as he engaged in combat and has a diagnosed PTSD related to that combat.

The Board has determined that the appellant's posttraumatic stress disorder is related to military sexual trauma she experienced during her service, and thus grants her claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and psychiatric disability other than PTSD, as well as his increased rating claim for CTS of the right wrist, were denied. The Veteran's trigger thumb was found to be essentially asymptomatic.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed PTSD is a result of an in-service stressor involving sexual assault, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for PTSD, hepatitis C, and a skin disorder due to lack of new and material evidence for PTSD. The appellant's discharge was found to be due to willful and persistent misconduct, which precludes payment of VA benefits.