PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2013

The Board has ordered a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran meets the diagnostic criteria for PTSD or any other psychiatric disability, and whether any such disability is due to service. The case will be remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is granted, as the evidence supports a link between his reported in-service stressors and his current condition.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the Veteran's respiratory disorder and PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically posttraumatic stress disorder, is denied as there is no credible evidence linking the current condition to his period of active military service.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for PTSD, an increased rating for a right wrist laceration scar, and an increased rating for right carpal tunnel syndrome. The initial ratings assigned were not granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including DDD of the lumbar spine and PTSD, rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment as of September 11, 2013. His TDIU claim is granted effective from that date.

The Veteran requested a hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) and withdrew his request for an initial disability rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD and major depressive disorder. The issue is dismissed.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is found to have caused or aggravated his gastrointestinal disorders, including stomach ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD).

The Board found that the Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD was denied due to a lack of evidence supporting an in-service stressor. The Veteran's depressive disorder remains at 50 percent.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disability and a left knee disability, finding that new evidence was not submitted to reopen these claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, anxiety, and depression was granted. The diagnosis of PTSD is based on an in-service stressor.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus is found to be the primary cause of his current diabetic neuropathy and acquired eye disability. PTSD was not incurred or aggravated in service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and development of medical records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD and dysthymic disorder) and bilateral hearing loss have been denied. The Board found no current disabilities, and the evidence did not support a finding of in-service incurrence or aggravation.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent throughout the appeal period, and service connection for tinnitus has been granted. The issues of hearing loss and TDIU remain unresolved.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination, including verification of service dates and a VA psychiatric examination to determine if any acquired psychiatric disorder is related to service.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in significant occupational and social impairment, warranting a 70 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and Impulse Control Disorder is being remanded due to the need for clarification of a VA examiner's opinion regarding whether his pre-existing condition existed prior to service and was not aggravated by service. The case will be readjudicated after this additional development.