PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2014

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypothyroidism, lumbar spine disability (secondary to service connected bilateral knee disorders), hypertension secondary to PTSD with depression, and an effective date earlier than November 12, 2008 for the grant of an increased rating for PTSD. The claim for a higher rating for PTSD with depression was denied from August 20, 2011 onwards. The Veteran's right knee synovitis and scars residual to gunshot wound of abdomen were not rated higher than their current levels.

The Veteran's claim for an initial increased rating for his PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new examination.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and other mental health conditions. The evidence shows a continuity of symptoms since service and a current diagnosis of these conditions. Therefore, the Board finds that service connection is warranted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to allow for additional development, including verification of herbicide exposure and issuance of a statement of the case on all issues.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination and consideration of his TDIU claim.

The Board denied service connection for left ear hearing loss and denied increased disability ratings for GAD and PTSD prior to August 20, 2012 and from that date forward, respectively. The Veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA and private medical records, scheduling a VA examination, and considering whether service connection should be granted or TDIU awarded.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and Social Security Administration disability benefits records.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was rated at 30 percent, and his PTSD was rated at 30 percent. The decision is mixed as it granted a higher rating for one condition (PTSD) but denied the request for an increased rating for another (bilateral pes planus).

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for further medical examination.

The Board has decided that the Veteran should be provided a new VA examination to determine if he currently has PTSD and whether any acquired psychiatric disorder is related to his active military service. The case will be remanded for this purpose.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was caused by his coronary artery disease and atherosclerosis, which are service-connected. The posttraumatic stress disorder is also service-connected and contributed to his cause of death.

The Veteran's appeal is for an earlier effective date of June 21, 2002, for the grant of service connection for PTSD with major depressive disorder and alcohol dependence in sustained full remission. The RO has granted this request.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination to assess the current severity of his PTSD and determining whether he is unemployable due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran meets the diagnostic criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD and finds it at least as likely as not that his acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and depression, is related to his service in Vietnam. The issue of entitlement to TDIU will be considered based on the current disability rating assigned.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his failure to appear at a scheduled videoconference hearing. He was previously requested for such a hearing, but the notification was sent to an outdated address.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional VA treatment records, as well as the allegation of worsening PTSD symptoms.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for PTSD was granted, with the effective date set at March 11, 2004.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently evaluated as 50 percent disabling, and the Board finds that there are no symptoms or impairments warranting a higher rating.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's diagnosed condition is related to his in-service stressors and combat experience.