PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2016

The Board has restored service connection for diabetes mellitus, finding that the RO's severance of service connection was not valid due to procedural errors and lack of evidence establishing clear and unmistakable error.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Board has determined that another VA examination is needed to determine the etiology of any current psychiatric disorders and whether they are related to his military service.

The Board is remanding the case to obtain VA treatment records and conduct a VA examination. The Veteran's claim for service connection for schizoaffective disorder and PTSD remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was granted in a June 2012 rating decision, effective November 1, 2010. The appellant seeks payment of agent fees from past due benefits resulting from this award, but the appeal is denied as there was no notice of disagreement filed with respect to the original denial of service connection.

The Veteran's death was attributed to an intracranial hemorrhage, but there is no evidence linking his service-connected conditions to the cause of death. The appellant did not provide new and material evidence to reopen her claim for service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD is found to be related to his in-service stressor, and he is granted service connection for this condition. The issues of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to inconsistencies in the Veteran's reports and need for updated medical opinions.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD and is granting it.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied service connection claim for residuals of fracture to the right thigh and granted it. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, remains pending.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and MDD have resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, including work, social relations, and mood. The Board has granted a higher initial rating of 70 percent for PTSD with MDD effective from April 30, 2008.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing. The initial rating issue for PTSD remains pending.

The Board has determined that the appeal in the matter of service connection for a low back disability is dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran's attorney. The claim of increased ratings for PTSD and tension headaches remains, but the appeal for service connection for a low back disability is dismissed.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD/anxiety disorder was rated at 70 percent from October 3, 1985 to August 1, 1999.

The Veteran's headaches are found to be related to his service-connected PTSD, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression is currently rated at 70 percent, effective October 20, 2014. The rating reflects significant impairment in work and social functioning.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and a cervical spine disability, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board finds that the criteria for TDIU are met.

The Veteran's initial ratings for bilateral hearing loss and PTSD were denied, with the Board finding that his service-connected disabilities did not warrant higher evaluations.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to incomplete development and additional information is needed from various sources. The Veteran's exposure history, including potential Agent Orange exposure, will be investigated further.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before a decision can be rendered on the merits of the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and adjustment disorder. The Veteran contends his current mental health issues are related to his active duty service in Iraq.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depression and panic disorder is currently rated at 50 percent, the maximum schedular rating available. The evidence does not show that his disability picture more nearly approximates the criteria for a higher rating.