PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2015

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a right foot disorder (claimed as arthritis of the right great toe), and hypertension. The evidence does not establish that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection of PTSD due to new and material evidence, but further development is needed prior to adjudication.

The Veteran's current psychiatric disability, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety disorder, is linked to an in-service personal assault for which there is credible supporting evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is REMANDED for additional development, including a new VA examination and a combined effects medical opinion. The issues of entitlement to an increased initial rating for PTSD and entitlement to a TDIU are being remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for PTSD was denied as the September 2008 rating decision is final and binding. The Veteran's TDIU claim has been remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD in February 1989, which became final. The Veteran's claim to reopen was denied again in February 1992 and April 2008, both of which were also found to be final. The RO granted service connection for PTSD on June 22, 2010, the date the Veteran filed a reopened claim. An earlier effective date is not warranted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining verification of alleged combat stressors and arranging for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities are related to his service.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since January 16, 2014. Prior to that date, the rating was increased from 50 percent.,The Veteran is also granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, effective October 14, 201. The appeal for a higher rating or TDIU was granted.

The Board has decided the case needs further examination and remands the matter for a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran meets the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), is likely the result of his military service and has been granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for her TMJ and PTSD, but granted service connection for status-post sebaceous cyst scars of the back and residual scar of the right upper arm status-post rupture sebaceous cyst. The initial noncompensable evaluations assigned to these conditions are upheld.

The Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is granted due to a diagnosed condition linked to the in-service sexual assault.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and verifying any claimed in-service stressors. A VA examination will also be scheduled to determine the nature of any current psychiatric disorders and their relationship to service.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for initial compensable ratings for right ear hearing loss and scarring of the right shoulder as the appellant withdrew these claims prior to a decision.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and addressing the appropriate effective date for increased ratings and TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses for services rendered at Ashland Community Hospital on March 6, 2012 is denied because the treatment was not in an emergency situation and VA facilities were feasibly available.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and PTSD due to incomplete development, including a need for additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining Vet Center treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and an examination to determine if the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, are related to his military service.