PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2014

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, anxiety, and depression is denied as there is no credible evidence of a personal assault in service. The appeal is dismissed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, bipolar disorder, and anxiety disorder is being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at the highest possible schedular rating of 100 percent, and his claim for TDIU is moot as a result.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and hypertension are pending as there is no current evidence of record confirming their onset during or within one year after service. The Board will need to obtain updated medical records to determine if these conditions were incurred in service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for depressive disorder, finding that it is related to his service-connected PTSD. The issue of an initial disability rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD remains pending and will be remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent prior to October 16, 2013, and denied for a higher rating as of that date.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50% disability rating throughout the appeal period.

The Board found that the grant of service connection for bilateral hearing loss was clearly and unmistakably erroneous, and thus granted severance of this condition. The Veteran's other claims were denied as there is no evidence linking any current disabilities to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need to obtain Social Security Administration (SSA) records and conduct further development, including a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a diagnosis of PTSD and his depressive disorder is not shown to be related to service. The evidence fails to establish that he has any diagnosed psychiatric condition, including PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension was not caused or permanently worsened by his service-connected PTSD, and therefore denied the claim of entitlement to service connection for hypertension as secondary to PTSD.

The Veteran's service connection claims for PTSD, a neck disability, a back disability, fibromyalgia, and a disorder manifested by chest pain are granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a VA examination to determine the etiology of his current psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety and depression. The Veteran did not appear at the scheduled mental health examination.

The Board has granted service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder, finding that the Veteran's current diagnoses are related to his in-service stressor involving being shot by someone during service.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, that is causally related to his active service. As such, the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for transverse myelitis and PTSD, as well as his claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound, are all denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service-connected, and he is awarded a 100% disability rating for depression. The need for aid and attendance based on his disabilities remains under review.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for Hepatitis C was reopened due to the submission of new evidence. The claims for PTSD, hiatal hernia, and diverticulitis were all granted.,PTSD is linked to sexual assault and harassment in service.

The Board has determined that additional evidentiary development is necessary prior to the adjudication of the Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as the claims for service connection, increased ratings, and TDIU were not substantiated by the evidence of record.