PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2014

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a videoconference hearing at the RO. The claims of entitlement to an increased evaluation for PTSD and TDIU prior to October 5, 2011 are pending.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for PTSD. The Veteran is now granted service connection for PTSD due to combat stressors during his Vietnam service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal prior to the Board's decision, leaving no issues for review.

The Veteran's PTSD has been medically linked to a verified in-service stressor and fear of hostile military or terrorist activities, warranting service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD was incurred in service and the claim is granted.

The Board found that the June 2006 rating decision denying service connection for PTSD did not contain clear and unmistakable error, as there was insufficient information to corroborate the Veteran's claimed stressors.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for additional development, including verification of all periods of service and clarification on the etiology of any acquired psychiatric disability diagnosed during the pendency of the appeal. The Veteran also needs to provide VA treatment records prior to February 2007 from the Dallas VA Medical Center.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for peripheral neuropathies, gastrointestinal disorder (hiatal hernia and GERD) secondary to PTSD, and sleep disorder secondary to PTSD. The claim asserting CUE in the February 16, 2005 rating decision denying service connection for alcohol abuse secondary to PTSD was also denied.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to address the outstanding questions of diagnosis and nexus pertaining to the Veteran's claim, including whether his PTSD is related to his in-service traumatic injury to his right eye.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including verifying a stressor and obtaining medical opinions regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disorders.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including an examination of the Veteran in connection with his PTSD and to address whether his depression is secondary to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's PTSD is manifested by symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and mild memory loss. The evidence did not establish that his PTSD warranted a higher rating than the currently assigned 30 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, other than PTSD, and has also granted a TDIU based on the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus and psychiatric disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, fracture of the right ankle, and third-degree burns. The case was remanded multiple times but remains pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and related depression and alcohol dependence, is due to an inseparable and equal part to his service-connected stockade incident. Therefore, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's representative has withdrawn the appeal regarding whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and evaluation of the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD. The Veteran is seeking service connection based on in-service stressors.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder and PTSD have been rated at 30 percent since March 25, 2014. The Board found that the symptoms did not warrant a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing notice to the Veteran regarding his new and material evidence claim.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities is granted. The decision is based on the Veteran's service-connected conditions, including his heart disorder, diabetes, and peripheral neuropathy, which collectively meet the criteria for TDIU.