PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2012

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his in-service stressors, including witnessing a helicopter crash and being an IED sweeper during service. As such, the claim for service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Board has ordered additional development of the Veteran's claim, including obtaining VA treatment records and allowing his representative to submit a statement. The case will be returned for further consideration.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's anxiety disorder is attributable to his military service, but does not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD or an acquired psychiatric disorder, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his service and grants service connection for PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is as likely as not related to his combat service in Vietnam, and thus grants service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a hearing before the Board.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus was denied as the evidence did not show that his current symptoms were related to noise exposure during active duty.,Service connection for PTSD and a right shoulder disorder, and an increased initial rating for migraine headaches were withdrawn by the appellant.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD and TBI, as well as a TDIU are being remanded due to missing records and the need to obtain additional treatment records.

The Veteran's PTSD was predominantly manifested by sleep impairment, nightmares, depression, anxiety, impaired memory, fatigue, an exaggerated startle response, an abnormal mood, irritability, impaired concentration, impaired attention, hypervigilance, avoidance behavior, a foreshortened sense of future, lack of enjoyment of activities, and a restricted affect. The Board found that the criteria for a rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD have not been met.

The Veteran's PTSD and major depression have been manifested by symptoms productive of occupational and social impairment comparable to no more than reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50% evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for a new hearing, and is not currently making a determination on service connection.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD and diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the hands were granted effective July 16, 2007.,The Veteran's claim for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities was granted effective April 18, 2007.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The claim of service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to procedural issues.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression is granted, while his claims for left ear hearing loss, tinnitus, varicose veins, residuals of burns on the hands, and leg scars are denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and private mental health treatment records, securing the Veteran's Vocational Rehabilitation file, and arranging for a psychiatric evaluation to assess the severity of his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is currently rated at 30 percent, effective January 20, 2010. The appeal does not involve service connection for PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to non-compliance with previous orders, and additional evidence is needed to determine if the Veteran's claimed in-service stressors are supported by credible evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment, meeting the criteria for a TDIU rating.

The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD and thus, service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD) was denied.