PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2014

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and finds insufficient evidence to establish service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including mood disorder. The claim is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to determine if the Veteran meets the criteria for PTSD and whether his current psychiatric disorders are related to service, including in-service stressors. The VA will also attempt to obtain records from the Ventnor Vet Center.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a psychiatric disability (including depression, anxiety, and PTSD) have been granted. The decision also notes that the Veteran's presence in Japan during a riot following his service has not been verified.

The Board has remanded the case for a hearing and to address whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for PTSD, for purposes of accrued benefits.

The Veteran's PTSD with adjustment disorder and depressed mood has been productive of occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity since October 24, 2007.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder NOS and potential PTSD have been diagnosed, but the claim for service connection remains pending due to conflicting diagnoses regarding PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA examination and updated treatment records. The claim will be reconsidered after these are obtained.

The Veteran's service-connected anxiety neurosis and PTSD were rated at 30 percent prior to February 3, 1988, and 50 percent from February 3, 1988, to December 14, 1991.,The effective date for a TDIU rating based on unemployability due to psychiatric disorder was granted as of December 15, 1991.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's reported in-service stressor is credible and related to his fear of hostile military or terrorist activity. The evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran has PTSD due to this verified in-service stressor, and therefore service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and hepatitis C, finding that the Veteran's reported stressors are credible and supported by evidence. The diagnoses of PTSD and hepatitis C have been established post-service, with a link to in-service exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left and right knee disorders, claimed as knee strains, were not incurred or aggravated by service. The claim for gouty arthritis causing joint pain involving hands/fingers, elbows, hips, ankle, and feet is also denied.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD is granted, as the evidence supports a diagnosis of PTSD related to his military service. The claims for diabetes mellitus, congestive heart failure, and hypertension are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound due to service-connected disabilities is remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining treatment records from VA Outpatient Clinic in Decatur and Dr. Kahton's office.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further examination and development of his claims, including obtaining additional medical records and providing him with VA examinations to assess the severity of his PTSD and bilateral hearing loss. The TDIU claim will also be addressed.

The appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations to address the Veteran's claims.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and a supplemental medical opinion.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD, but the underlying issue of whether she meets the criteria for service connection remains pending. A new VA examination is needed to determine if her PTSD is related to military sexual trauma.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, is being remanded due to the need to obtain additional records from SSA and VA.

The Board finds that the Veteran has a current diagnosis of PTSD due to an in-service stressor, which has been verified by objective evidence. As such, service connection for PTSD is granted.