PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to ensure that his claims are properly considered, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining the Veteran's personnel records from his period of active service in Vietnam and arranging for a mental status examination to determine the nature, extent, and etiology of any psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran and the appellant were legally divorced at the time of the Veteran's death, thus the appellant is not recognized as his surviving spouse for VA benefits.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diagnosed PTSD is causally linked to his in-service stressors, including fear of hostile military activities. As a result, service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and an innocently acquired psychiatric disorder (other than PTSD) was denied. The Veteran does not have a diagnosis of PTSD, and the Board found that there is no link between his current symptoms and in-service stressors. His claim for increased rating for hemorrhoids remains pending.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since May 13, 2005, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's PTSD is related to his military service and considering whether the new regulation regarding PTSD claims should be applied.

The Veteran's appeal is to determine if he should receive a higher initial disability evaluation for his PTSD, currently rated at 70 percent. The case has been remanded due to the overlap with another issue regarding whether he qualifies for a TDIU (total disability rating based on individual unemployability).

The Veteran's PTSD with major depression is rated at 30 percent prior to July 11, 2011 and 50 percent from that date. The claim for higher ratings has been denied.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, claimed as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The appellant has withdrawn his appeal, and the Board does not have jurisdiction to review it.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including a VA psychiatric examination and notification of sources other than service records that may support the claim.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to determine if the Veteran's PTSD is related to his service in Vietnam and to obtain relevant medical records. The case will be returned for further action.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Depression, is being remanded due to conflicting medical opinions regarding the etiology of his PTSD.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was noted on service entrance examination and underwent an increase in severity beyond normal progression while the Veteran served on active duty. Therefore, his preexisting bilateral pes planus is considered to have been aggravated by service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and review of his claims file.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new examination to assess his PTSD and consideration of his TDIU claim.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating based on the criteria provided in the Rating Schedule.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings are being remanded to allow for further development of the record, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling him with a VA examination to assess his service-connected disabilities.

The Board dismissed the appeal because there is no final decision in regard to the initial denial of PTSD, and thus the subsequent application to reopen is moot.