PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's appeal is for a higher initial rating of his PTSD, and the claim has been remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied, and the Board found that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen several of his claims.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for reopening his PTSD claim and service connection for a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, finding that new and material evidence was not presented to reopen the PTSD claim and there is no competent medical evidence linking any current psychiatric disability to active duty service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to missing Social Security Administration (SSA) records and other relevant medical evidence.

The Board has found that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss and tinnitus are causally related to his military service. The claim for hypertension is also granted, but without a specific rating assigned as it remains on appeal.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging a VA psychiatric examination to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders are related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for further development, including verification of stressors and a psychiatric examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to new evidence received since the last statement of the case, and because there are additional psychiatric diagnoses besides PTSD.

The Board has granted the Veteran's application to reopen his claims for PTSD and hand tremors, finding new and material evidence. The claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder remains pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for PTSD. The claim of reopening a previously denied back disability is also denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety disorders, depressive illnesses, schizophrenia, and manic and chronic depressive illness is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records and a new VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain VA treatment records, clarify his medical history and provide a statement of the case for issues not yet addressed.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, has been dismissed due to his failure to respond to VA requests and provide necessary information.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus, have been rated as 60 percent disabling from July 21, 2006. As a result of these service-connected disabilities, the Veteran has been unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since May 17, 2007.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent before October 18, 2010 and at 70 percent after that date.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a right wrist disability, blood disorder, acquired mental disorder (other than PTSD), or hypertension due to service. The claim for bilateral knee disorder is denied as new and material evidence was not submitted.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claim of service connection for PTSD and remanded it for further development. The Veteran's records from the Social Security Administration must be obtained before a decision can be made.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional information and evidence regarding his claimed PTSD and bipolar disorder, including the alleged military sexual assault and a reported bomb explosion. The VA will also provide an updated psychiatric examination to determine if these conditions are service-connected.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examination and treatment records.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, anxiety disorder and bipolar disorder, is attributable to active duty service.