PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2012

The Board has expanded the issue to include service connection for a generalized psychiatric disorder at the request of the Veteran and his representative. The case is REMANDED for further development, including obtaining additional treatment records from the Colorado Springs Vet Center and conducting a supplemental opinion by a VA examiner.

The Board has granted the Veteran's request to reopen his claims for service connection for a low back disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder, claimed as PTSD. However, further development is needed due to incomplete records and inadequate VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since the initial grant of service connection, reflecting occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development and examination, including consideration of whether the Veteran's claimed stressors are consistent with his service and whether he meets the criteria for a PTSD diagnosis.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder including PTSD and fibromyalgia, as well as the increased ratings for lumbar and cervical spine disabilities. The Veteran's claims were not reopened due to lack of evidence showing a nexus between her conditions and active service.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, but does not meet the criteria for a higher initial rating of 70 percent. The evidence does not demonstrate that his service-connected disabilities preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU benefits is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess his employability and the impact of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has reopened the claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD and granted it, finding that there is sufficient evidence to link a diagnosed PTSD to an in-service stressor.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, the maximum schedular rating available. The Board finds no basis to grant a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with alcohol abuse meets the schedular requirements for a TDIU, but his disability does not preclude him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board found that the preponderance of evidence is against a finding that any acquired psychiatric disorder, to include anxiety disorder and PTSD, was incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board found that the Veteran's PTSD did not contribute substantially or materially to his death, as evidenced by VA examiners' opinions and medical records. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that service-connected conditions caused or contributed to the cause of death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder should be remanded due to incomplete stressor verification, potential applicability of amended regulations regarding PTSD claims, and need for additional VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient data regarding the Veteran's stressors and symptoms, and the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for further development, including verification of his claimed stressors and additional treatment records.

The Board found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension and PTSD, resulting in a denial.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, heart disability, asthma, and stomach disability. The appeals were not granted as there was no credible evidence linking these conditions to service or any presumptive exposure.

The Veteran's appeal is for a higher initial rating for PTSD, with the RO granting a 70 percent disability rating effective January 24, 2008. The Veteran requested an earlier effective date but was denied. The case is now remanded to schedule a Travel Board hearing.

The Veteran's depression has been related to his military service and his service-connected tinnitus, warranting service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in reduced reliability and productivity, but not to the extent that would warrant a higher initial evaluation.