PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2015

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The Board cannot proceed with the merits of the case as he is deceased.

The appeal is remanded due to insufficient rationale for the VA examiner's opinions regarding the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as a need for a VA psychiatric examination to assess his acquired psychiatric disorder. The issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder are being remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for high cholesterol is denied as it does not constitute a disability. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for PTSD, anxiety, and depression due to lack of verification of claimed stressors. Service connection for diabetes mellitus, bilateral ankle disorder, arthritis of hands, and hypertension will be remanded for further development.

The Board has found that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for PTSD. The Veteran's diagnosed PTSD is related to his military service, and thus service connection is granted.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for several issues, including service connection for right ear hearing loss and higher ratings for PTSD, left ear hearing loss, tender scar secondary to laceration and repair of the right ear, status post removal of the right and left great toenails, status post fracture of the distal fifth metatarsal with mild arthritis of the right foot, hallux valgus of both feet, and TMJ dysfunction.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain clarification on whether any pre-existing psychiatric disorder existed prior to service and was not aggravated by service. The case will be returned for further adjudication.

The Veteran's PTSD, including symptoms of anxiety and depression, has been manifested by reduced reliability and productivity. The Board found that the current rating of 50 percent adequately reflects this level of impairment.

The Veteran's appeal was withdrawn for the issue of chronic bronchitis. The claim for PTSD is reopened due to new and material evidence, but service connection remains denied as there is no evidence linking his current psychiatric conditions to service.

The Board has decided that the case needs further examination and evaluation, specifically regarding whether sleep apnea was aggravated by service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a videoconference hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals. The issues include service connection claims and an increased rating claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, to include depression and PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for further development including an examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a video conference hearing. The issues of increased disability ratings for PTSD and related conditions are pending.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a psychiatric disability, including Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which he contends was caused by a personal assault and/or unwanted sexual advances during his military service. The Board has ordered additional development to obtain the Veteran's complete service treatment records and to provide an appropriate VA examination to determine whether any previously or currently diagnosed psychiatric disorder is related to the Veteran's military service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a low back condition was denied.,His PTSD has been granted with an initial rating of 30 percent, effective from June 30, 2011. A subsequent increase to 50 percent was granted as of July 5, 2013.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA examination to determine the etiology of any current acquired psychiatric disabilities.

The Veteran is granted a 100% rating for PTSD from July 28, 2011. He is denied a compensable rating for hepatitis C.,PTSD symptoms include persistent auditory and visual hallucinations, suicidal ideation, and impaired impulse control.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD is granted. The Board finds that the Veteran had a current diagnosis of PTSD and credible evidence supporting his in-service stressor, leading to a grant of service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent disabling between September 1, 2007 and October 31, 2009. The Board denied a higher rating for this period.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including verifying the Veteran's reported stressors and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination to determine whether he currently has PTSD related his reported stressors.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with major depression did not result in his inability to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to April 9, 2009.