PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2015

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD, which is service-connected, contributed to his death due to a motorcycle and train collision. The claim for cause of death is granted.

The Veteran has been diagnosed with PTSD related to his military service and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's PTSD and depression have been rated at 70 percent since March 25, 2009. However, the Board found that his symptoms did not warrant a higher rating due to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is a result of his military service, resolving all doubts in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, left shoulder condition, right calf condition, left thigh condition, and tinnitus, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 30 percent, his bilateral hearing loss and low back disability are both service-connected.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and primary insomnia is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting examinations to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disorders and TBI.

The Veteran's PTSD rating is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his symptoms.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a current diagnosis of PTSD, and the Veteran's right ear hearing loss disability does not meet VA criteria for a compensable degree. The left ear hearing loss disability was not shown to be related to service.

The Board found that there is no credible supporting evidence of an in-service stressor and thus the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD cannot be granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and PTSD, that is etiologically related to his period of service. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent since September 8, 2014. Prior to that date, the rating was 30 percent. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation in either period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of colon cancer, prostate cancer, an acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD and anxiety), and hemorrhoids are denied as there is no evidence to support a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C was denied. The initial disability rating for PTSD prior to September 10, 2014, was granted at a 70 percent rating.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a 70 percent evaluation, effective November 1, 2011. The claim for service connection for hypertension and other disabilities remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records and a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining records from private providers and VA treatment records, verifying an in-service stressor related to PTSD, and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), was incurred in service and the Board grants service connection for anxiety disorder NOS.