PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2015

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to hazing-related stressors during his period of service in the USMC, and thus grants service connection for PTSD.

The Board denied the Veteran's request to reopen his claim of service connection for hypertension and found that new and material evidence had not been presented. The issue of an evaluation in excess of 70 percent for PTSD remains on appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since September 30, 2013. The rating is based on the severity of his symptoms and their impact on his occupational and social functioning.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a currently diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD. The claim for service connection was denied as there is no evidence of an in-service psychiatric problem and the current diagnoses are attributed to non-service-related causes.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional development of evidence.

The Veteran's appeal for higher initial and subsequent ratings following the award of service connection for CAD status post MI has been withdrawn. The claim is dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and providing VA examinations to address the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for myofascial lumbar syndrome, PTSD, and irritable bowel syndrome have been granted. The diagnoses of these conditions are supported by medical evidence, and the criteria for direct service connection have been met.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Board hearing before a Veterans Law Judge sitting at the RO.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD contributed substantially or materially to his death, and thus grants DIC benefits based on service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling an examination and obtaining records. The issues of a higher rating for PTSD and TDIU are pending.

The Board has granted an effective date of June 25, 1992 for the Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD. The appeal is based on a direct service connection and not due to any presumption or exposure basis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a separate sleep disorder and his migraine headaches do not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is remanded as there is insufficient evidence to determine if it is related to service.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder did not result in total social and occupational impairment prior to April 28, 2014.

The Board denied the Veteran's motion to revise or reverse its January 2011 decision, which denied an earlier effective date for PTSD. The Board found that there was no CUE in the August 1970 rating decision and that the evidence did not establish a definite psychiatric disorder at that time.

The Veteran's claim for an educational assistance benefits rate in excess of 60 percent under the post-9/11 GI Bill is denied as her only qualifying active duty service was less than 18 months and did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD and knee disabilities have been rated appropriately, with no need for an increased evaluation prior to May 16, 2011.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD, finding that there was no clear and unmistakable error in the January 2009 rating decision. The effective date remains September 17, 2008.

The Veteran is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected Hepatitis C, which causes fatigue and other symptoms that prevent him from physically demanding employment.

The Veteran's PTSD is related to service and the Board has granted his claim for service connection.