PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining Social Security disability records and scheduling a videoconference hearing. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder will be reconsidered after this additional development.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and bipolar disorder, were not incurred during his military service. The examiner concluded that the diagnoses of PTSD and bipolar disorder are not supported by evidence in the record.

The Veteran's PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder has been rated at 70 percent since June 30, 2007. The Board found that the impairment from his condition more nearly approximates total occupational and social impairment prior to June 9, 2011, but for the period beginning June 9, 2011, with resolution of doubt in favor of the Veteran, he has been rated at 100 percent.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered based on this new information.

The Veteran's death pension and accrued benefits claims are dismissed as the appellant did not have a pending claim at the time of his death, nor was he entitled to any unpaid benefits.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for PTSD and found that new evidence supports a current diagnosis of PTSD related to an in-service stressor. The Veteran's statements have been consistent regarding his involvement in the helicopter crash.

The Board has denied service connection for PTSD and Pulmonary Disability (Chronic Chest Pain) due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to active service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD and higher initial ratings for his lumbar spine and cervical spine disabilities. The appeal is currently pending.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered after this additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD and migraine headaches are service-connected, with all relevant symptoms being encompassed in these diagnoses.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD with related chronic adjustment disorder prior to October 27, 2016 is dismissed. The Board grants the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a PTSD examination. The Veteran was previously granted service connection for PTSD but his disability rating remains at 50 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board has granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was reopened and granted, with the diagnosis of PTSD being established by medical evidence.,An increased evaluation for erectile dysfunction is pending in appellate status.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms were found to more nearly approximate occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas such as work, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood from July 17, 2009 to November 21, 2013. The initial rating for bilateral hearing loss was granted at 10 percent since July 17, 2009 and increased to 50 percent effective November 22, 2013. TDIU was also granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including scheduling a videoconference hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Board has scheduled a videoconference hearing for the Veteran in Atlanta, Georgia. The appeal is being remanded due to relocation.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an increased rating of PTSD, which was rated at 70 percent.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is granted as service connected. The Board found that the current bilateral hearing loss disability is related to events of his active service, resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's PTSD and depression are found to be related to his service in Vietnam, with the diagnosis of PTSD based on a confirmed stressor.