PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD was denied, as the evidence did not show total occupational and social impairment due to PTSD symptoms.

The evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder and PTSD, is related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder, diagnosed as Anxiety Disorder not otherwise specified (NOS), was found to be related to his in-service motor vehicle accident. Service connection for PTSD is granted based on new and material evidence received since the previous denial.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, the maximum schedular rating available. The evidence does not support a higher evaluation as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a 70 or 100 percent rating.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, which reflects the severity of his symptoms and impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Veteran's initial evaluations for diabetes mellitus, type II (20 percent) and PTSD (30 percent) have been granted.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for further development of evidence, including obtaining medical records from VA facilities and considering additional submitted evidence. The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is pending.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disorder and reopened his claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder on the basis of new and material evidence. The appeal is remanded to further develop this claim.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and bipolar disorder. The Veteran's reported stressors were not verified, but his lay statements alone may establish the occurrence of one or more in-service stressors related to fear of hostile military activity.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder. The decision will be reconsidered in light of new evidence provided by the Veteran.

The Board has determined that further development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination. The case is REMANDED to the RO.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this claim.

The Board found that the Veteran did not have a chronic, acquired psychiatric disability including PTSD or any other psychiatric disability that had its clinical onset or is otherwise related to his service. As a result, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's PTSD does not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating, as it only causes moderate impairment in social and occupational settings.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The claims will be reconsidered based on new information.

The Board has remanded the case due to the appellant's failure to appear for a requested Travel Board hearing. The case is now pending and will be scheduled for another hearing.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of medical expenses incurred at a private hospital on August 29, 2004 is granted as the treatment was deemed emergency and he had a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at the highest available evaluation (70%), and his TDIU claim is also granted, making him unable to work due to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a VA examination.

The Veteran's tinnitus and PTSD are service-connected. The Board also finds that the Veteran has a qualifying chronic disability for his undiagnosed illness claim, but additional development is needed to determine if his multiple joint aches and pains, irritable bowel syndrome, and fatigue are related to this condition.