PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2014

The Veteran's claim for PTSD, depression, and anxiety attacks is granted as her lay assertions regarding military sexual trauma are found to be credible, and a competent diagnosis of PTSD can be sustained. The evidence supports the link between current symptoms and an in-service stressor (MST).

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety disorder not otherwise specified (NOS), and depression, is being remanded due to inadequate VA examination and addendum. A new VA medical examination is required to determine the nature and etiology of any current psychiatric disorders.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to a verified in-service stressor and grants service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms caused total social and occupational impairment as of May 1, 2012, but not prior to that date. The Board granted a 100 percent disability rating for PTSD effective from May 1, 2012.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for corrective notice regarding unavailable service treatment records and a supplemental VA examiner opinion addressing the new regulations for fear of hostile military or terrorist activity.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Veteran's total combined rating for service-connected disabilities is 90 percent, rendering him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's PTSD causes some impairment but does not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating. The current 30 percent rating accurately reflects his symptoms and impairment.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination to determine if any diagnosed psychiatric disorder is related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic lumbar strain. The Veteran also requested service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, an acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD and major depressive disorder), residuals of a bilateral mandible fracture, chondromalacia patella of the left knee, and chondromalacia patella of the right knee. These issues are addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision.

The Veteran's claim of an increased rating for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of his recent worsening symptoms.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be related to service, and his left hand burns are found to be secondary to a service-connected right knee disability. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder remains pending as the evidence does not establish its onset during service or relate it to any service-connected condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was granted effective July 10, 2009. The Board finds that the earliest date of entitlement is July 2, 2007.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and anxiety disorders, is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the onset and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to July 20, 2010 for service-connected PTSD has been granted. The Board also found that the Veteran is entitled to a TDIU with an earlier effective date of July 13, 2010.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD has been remanded due to the presence of other psychiatric diagnoses. The case will be reviewed again, and a new examination by a psychiatrist or psychologist is required to determine if any diagnosed conditions are related to military service.

The Veteran's PTSD claim was denied, but he was granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including anxiety and panic disorders). The decision is mixed as it grants one condition while denying the other.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and panic disorder was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability related to his military service. The lung disorder claim was also denied due to lack of evidence.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for the issues of entitlement to increased evaluations for anxiety disorder, including PTSD, for the entirety of the period on appeal.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is denied as there is no current diagnosis of PTSD and the evidence does not support a link between any diagnosed condition and his active duty service or service-connected TBI.