PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2014

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted. The remaining claims are remanded due to further development being required.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed, including obtaining treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of the Veteran's PTSD. The appeal will be remanded for these actions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was previously denied in January 2004. New and material evidence has been submitted, reopening the claim. The Board finds credible medical evidence establishing a link between the Veteran's PTSD and his in-service stressors, granting service connection.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and other service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to insufficient medical evidence and the need for new examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to a need for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back and left leg disorders are not related to his military service. The claim for a lumbar spine disorder is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability, and the claim for a left leg disorder is denied due to lack of a diagnosed condition.

For the period from February 23, 2009, to July 18, 2013, the Veteran's PTSD was not manifested by symptoms most comparable to deficiencies in most areas.,From July 19, 2013, the Veteran's PTSD did not meet the criteria for a staged rating in excess of 50 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain updated VA and private treatment records, as well as a VA psychiatric examination. The TDIU claim will also be considered.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary in order to obtain additional evidence and comply with all due process considerations, including scheduling the Veteran for a VA psychiatric examination under the new regulatory standards.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a higher evaluation of his service-connected PTSD. The case must be returned to the Board after completion of additional development.

The Veteran died from cardiac arrest/myocardial infarction, which the VA representative believes may be related to his service-connected PTSD. The Board needs additional records and a medical opinion to determine if PTSD caused or contributed substantially to death.

The Veteran has been diagnosed with PTSD and the Board finds that his reported in-service stressor is credible, resolving all reasonable doubt in his favor. Therefore, service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder to include depression, adjustment disorder, anxiety, and PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining VA medical examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, insomnia, and diabetes mellitus are being remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining medical opinions on the nature of her psychiatric disorders and their relationship to service.

The Veteran's appeal of the claims for an increased rating for PTSD and service connection of a dental disorder has been withdrawn. As such, these issues are dismissed.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a valid diagnosis of PTSD and his acquired psychiatric disability is related to his wife's health problems, with no evidence supporting a long clinical history of depression or PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, residuals of a scratched cornea, and residuals of heat exhaustion was denied as the evidence did not support a current disability diagnosis.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis C and an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD. The case is now remanded for additional development including VA examinations.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the evaluation of his PTSD.