PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2012

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim of service connection for PTSD and determined that he meets the criteria for service connection based on combat exposure. The Veteran now has a current diagnosis of PTSD, which is related to in-service stressors.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since November 9, 2000 and granted a higher rating of 100 percent effective from November 21, 2003. The Board found that the disability rendered him unemployable.

The Board has remanded the case for a videoconference hearing at the RO in Phoenix, Arizona due to the Veteran's relocation.

The Veteran's PTSD was initially rated at 30 percent prior to October 25, 2005. The evidence showed moderate symptoms of PTSD with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and denied service connection for right and left carpal tunnel syndrome. The Veteran's PTSD is linked to his in-service stressors, while the carpal tunnel syndromes are not considered directly related to service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to a request for Social Security Administration (SSA) records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is likely related to his service from March 18, 1974 to November 25, 1991 and grants service connection for this period.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is found to be related to his military service and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further proceedings due to the need to obtain additional VA treatment records from the Secaucus Vet Center. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered after these records are obtained.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional records and further consideration.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board is remanding the case for additional development and adjudicative action, including obtaining service treatment records, VA treatment records, and any other relevant medical records. The Veteran must also be provided with a VCAA notice regarding the claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is as likely as not related to his active duty service, granting him service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected right shoulder GSW and PTSD were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher evaluation for any condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD and anxiety disorder are service-connected based on in-service stressors, including witnessing a helicopter crash and combat situations.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service personnel records and medical records related to personal assault. The appellant's claim will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination and incomplete record, including lack of stressor verification and treatment records.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss in the left ear and PTSD. The Veteran's current diagnoses of bilateral hearing loss, specifically in the left ear, are supported by VA audiometry results and clinical examination. Service records confirm his exposure to noise during military service. For PTSD, the Veteran provided credible testimony regarding combat stressors related to fear of hostile military activity consistent with the circumstances of his service in Iraq. The Board found sufficient evidence to support these claims.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits records. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered after these actions are completed.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD and diabetes mellitus were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show that his diabetes required regulation of activities, nor did it reflect any further compensable complications of diabetes. For PTSD, the Board noted that while he had some symptoms consistent with a 70% rating, such as suicidal ideation and unprovoked irritability, these were not shown to be present at any time during the appeal period.