PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2014

The Board has remanded the case for further clarification of a VA examiner's opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD. The Veteran is seeking service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, with sleep disorder, startle response, nervous condition and loss of memory, has not been found to meet the criteria for a higher rating than 50 percent.

The Board has remanded the TDIU claim for a clarification of whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment. The case is now before the AOJ for further action.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including depression and PTSD, causes significant occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. The Board finds a 70 percent rating is warranted for the entire appeal period.

The Board found that the Veteran's psychiatric disorders, including anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, and PTSD, did not have onset during service or were not related to an in-service injury or event. The claim for service connection was therefore denied.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 30 percent for his service-connected PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining Vet Center records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety disorder, NOS, is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his in-service stressors and a review of his service treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal for anemia was withdrawn prior to the Board's decision.,New and material evidence has been received, reopening the claim of service connection for a cardiovascular disorder (to include hypertension and a heart murmur).,Service connection is not granted as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis or in-service incurrence of a cardiovascular disorder.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder claim based on his period of honorable service was denied due to dishonorable discharge, precluding VA benefits for that period.,There is equipoise (equally balanced) evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's skin condition and his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development and examination to determine if his current psychiatric conditions are related to his military service, including verifying in-service stressors.

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing.

The Board granted service connection for PTSD and depression, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are consistent with a diagnosis of PTSD.,Service connection was denied for varicose veins of the right leg and left leg as there is no evidence linking these disabilities to service.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since February 14, 2008. The rating is maintained as the evidence does not show that his symptoms have worsened to warrant a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric condition (including PTSD and depression) have been denied as there is no competent evidence of a current disability or persistent symptoms related to these conditions.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for PTSD, but the Veteran's claimed in-service stressors have not been corroborated. As a result, the claim remains denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, which she first mentioned in her September 2006 letter, is granted with an effective date of September 20, 2006.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new examination and updated treatment records.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and he is seeking a higher rating. Additionally, the Veteran asserts that his service-connected PTSD renders him unable to secure or maintain employment.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a currently diagnosed mental health disorder, and thus denied his claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination and the addition of recent VA treatment records. The case will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, a psychiatric disability other than PTSD, gonorrhea, and residuals of a left cheek injury due to lack of new and material evidence.