PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Board denied the claims of service connection for psychiatric, cervical spine, lumbar spine, and bilateral hip disabilities. The appeal is not about service connection at all.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed, including obtaining records from the Social Security Administration and Brattleboro Retreat, as well as a VA examination to determine if there was a military sexual trauma stressor. The case will be remanded for these actions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations to assess the current severity of his service-connected PTSD, diabetes mellitus with cataracts and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities. The RO will also obtain recent medical records.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically PTSD. The evidence submitted since April 1997 is considered new and material as it confirms a current diagnosis of PTSD related to in-service stressors involving mortar fire exposure. As such, the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's death was caused by cirrhosis of the liver, which is service-connected PTSD. The Board grants service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's PTSD is found to be incurred in active service due to his combat experiences, and the Board grants service connection for PTSD.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. The claims of entitlement to higher ratings for low back strain and PTSD are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for PTSD. The appeal has been remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing and retrieval of VA outpatient records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied in February 1995 due to lack of information necessary to verify an in-service stressor. The case was remanded, and the Joint Services Records Research Center (JSRRC) verified the Veteran's unit involvement in attacks reported by him in March 2005. An effective date of November 15, 1994, for the grant of service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, major depression, depressive disorder, and bipolar disorder, has been reopened. The evidence now supports a finding that the current psychiatric disorders are related to his active military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining employment records from his former employer at Dow Chemical and conducting a social and industrial survey.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The decision is based on evidence that meets the direct service connection criteria.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD and his TDIU claim due to conflicts in the evidence regarding the severity of his PTSD symptoms. The case is now pending further development.

The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 70% for PTSD was denied, and the appeal for service connection for a breathing problem secondary to coronary artery disease was also denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support an increased rating or service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD has been manifested by symptoms including panic attacks, nightmares, and mild memory impairment. The VA determined that the current level of disability does not warrant a higher rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD. The decision is based on the evidence of record and the lack of specific records from Dr. K.A.P.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 30 percent from August 22, 2005 to July 11, 2006.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including obtaining additional medical records and providing the Veteran with VCAA-compliant notice.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of extra-schedular considerations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, to include Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, is being remanded due to the need for further development and examination.