PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2014

The Board is reopening the claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD, but remanding it along with the other remaining claim due to further development and consideration. The Veteran's stressor in service may have involved drowning deaths of two friends while serving aboard the U.S.S. Chicago.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed and the case is being remanded for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and arranging for a psychiatric examination to assess the impact of the Veteran's service-connected conditions on his employability.

The Board is remanding the claims for service connection due to incomplete evidence and need for further examination.,The Veteran's hearing loss claim will be remanded as there are insufficient medical opinions regarding noise exposure during service.,The Veteran's psychiatric disorder claim will be remanded as his in-service combat experience needs clarification.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to fully and fairly consider the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder and PTSD. The case will be remanded for further action.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of CUE in the March 1998 rating decision that granted service connection for PTSD and assigned an effective date of September 17, 1997. The Board found no clear and unmistakable error.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's appeal for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his PTSD. The TDIU issue is also being addressed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and SSA disability determination records. A new VA examination will be conducted to assess the current severity of her left knee disability and determine if any right knee or back issues are secondary to her service-connected left knee disorder. The Veteran's PTSD and menstrual claims will also be scheduled for a Board videoconference hearing.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression. The Veteran's in-service stressors have been conceded, and a private physician has provided evidence that supports the Veteran's claim. As such, the Board grants service connection for PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for VA examinations to clarify his current diagnoses and determine if any of his conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional medical records. The TDIU claim is also being remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the increased rating claim.

The Board has granted an initial 50 percent evaluation for PTSD with anxiety disorder, effective from August 3, 2010. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are found to effectively preclude all but part-time sedentary work in a quiet, stress-free environment.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted and assigned a 70 percent disability evaluation effective November 5, 2012.,A TDIU was also granted effective July 19, 2010.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 30 percent prior to May 21, 2012 and increased to 70 percent effective May 21, 2012. The Veteran also meets the criteria for TDIU due to his service-connected PTSD. An effective date of September 17, 2004 is granted for tinnitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and other diagnoses, is related to his service. Service connection for a psychiatric disorder is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently evaluated at 70 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher evaluation is not warranted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of PTSD is granted as the evidence shows a diagnosis, an in-service stressor, and a link between them.

The Board is remanding the case to obtain additional medical records and provide proper VCAA notice, particularly for PTSD. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety and depression, will be reconsidered.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent disabling from September 22, 2008. Prior to this date, the rating was 50 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a Statement of the Case (SOC) on all issues raised in his notice of disagreement.