PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2014

The Board found no evidence of a service-connected acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD. The claims for sterility, watering eyes, and breathing problems were also denied as there was insufficient evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent, but the Board finds that there is not sufficient evidence to grant a higher rating. The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and his depressive disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's PTSD was manifested by symptoms such as depressed mood, chronic sleep impairment and nightmares, anger and irritability, mild anxiety, intrusive thoughts of combat, disturbances of motivation and mood, and difficulty in establishing effective work and social relationships. For the initial period from August 5, 2002 to June 7, 2005, his PTSD was rated as 50 percent disabling.

The Veteran is seeking a 100 percent disability rating for PTSD. The appeal has been remanded due to the need for additional evidence and further consideration.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD. The Veteran's other claims, including those related to cognitive disorder, headaches, seizure disorder, and heart disorder, are remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current hypertension was caused by his service-connected PTSD, resolving doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if any PTSD is related to in-service stressors involving fear of hostile military or terrorist activity. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD will also be examined.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, finding that there was no credible supporting evidence of the claimed in-service stressors and thus not meeting the criteria for establishing service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, myasthenia gravis, and erectile dysfunction. The claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD was also denied.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, finding that the evidence supports a link between these conditions and the Veteran's in-service experiences.

The Veteran does not have current diagnoses of memory loss, chest pain, or a psychiatric disorder (including PTSD). The VA examiner found no evidence linking these conditions to service.,VA examiners determined that the Veteran's arthritis in his shoulders is less likely than not caused by his time on active duty and is not related to any service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent prior to September 28, 2012. As of September 28, 2012, the rating increased to 70 percent.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted, as supported by medical evidence diagnosing the condition and linking it to in-service stressors. The claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD and a right ankle disability are addressed separately.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA disability benefits information and a new VA examination to assess the severity of his PTSD with depression.

The Veteran's PTSD has been diagnosed and linked to a credible in-service stressor, resulting in the grant of service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for updated treatment records and a VA examination to determine the current severity of his psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder has been rated at 70 percent since February 2008, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim and granted service connection for PTSD with bipolar disorder, finding that new evidence supports her claims of in-service sexual assault.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board finds that he does not meet the criteria for a higher rating or total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, and a respiratory disability due to radiation exposure was denied. The Board found no evidence of a current diagnosis or link between the claimed conditions and his military service.