PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2013

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been reopened, but the Board finds that there is no evidence of a current diagnosis or a link between his reported in-service stressors and his current condition. Service connection for hyperlipidemia was also denied as it is not considered a disability for VA compensation purposes.

The Veteran's PTSD prior to January 14, 2011 resulted in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100 percent evaluation.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's right great toe claim, but the preponderance of the evidence is against finding any residuals from a right great toe fracture or related disability. The acquired psychiatric disorder claims are also denied as there is no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since May 15, 2008. The Board found that the symptoms described by the Veteran do not warrant a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA outpatient treatment records and notifying the Veteran of his rights regarding a TDIU claim. The issues include entitlement to an increased rating for PTSD and whether the Veteran is entitled to a TDIU based on service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher evaluation of his PTSD remains pending and requires further development before the Board can make a determination.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability, diagnosed as thoracolumbar spine spondylosis and intervertebral disc syndrome. The appeal regarding the Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability (to include posttraumatic stress disorder and bipolar disorder) is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining records and a VA psychiatric examination. The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being considered.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues with the in-service stressors and the need for further development, including obtaining unit history records and verifying specific events. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered under the current version of 38 C.F.R. § 3.304(f)(3).

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and a contemporaneous VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD was denied as there is no current diagnosis and the Veteran did not have the classic symptoms of PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD and therefore, service connection for PTSD is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional VA examinations and to obtain pertinent records. The case will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Veteran's posttraumatic stress disorder was initially rated at 50 percent before April 10, 2012. From April 10, 2012, the rating was increased to 70 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the impact of PTSD on his employment.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his request for the withdrawal of all issues on appeal.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary to confirm the Veteran's alleged stressor incidents and remands the case for this purpose.

The Veteran's PTSD is related to his in-service assault, and the Board finds that service connection for PTSD should be granted.

The Veteran's initial rating for PTSD was increased to 50 percent effective March 8, 2007. The Board remanded the case in April 2012 and again in September 2011, ultimately denying a higher initial rating.

The VA denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and to reopen his claim for service connection for depression. The VA found that there was no evidence of a diagnosis of PTSD in accordance with DSM-IV criteria.