PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of March 25, 2014 for the grant of service connection for PTSD with major depressive disorder. The claims for tumors and cancers due to exposure to contaminated water at Wurtsmith AFB including exposure to chemicals, pollutants, benzene, and trichloroethylene (TCE), as well as a heart disability due to exposure to contaminated water at Wurtsmith AFB including exposure to chemicals, pollutants, benzene, and TCE are remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before a decision on the merits may be made regarding the Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for PTSD and entitlement to a TDIU. The Veteran will need to undergo a VA examination, and all relevant treatment records must be obtained.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prior to March 9, 2012 did not prevent him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, diabetes mellitus type II, vision loss, hypertension, kidney/renal disorder, heart disorder, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD). However, these claims are being remanded due to outstanding VA treatment records and other development that may be needed.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for PTSD, erectile dysfunction, and hypertension due to a lack of a Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC) addressing the newly associated evidence.

The Board dismissed the appeal for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD due to the appellant's withdrawal before a decision was made.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, with the exception of his claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder. The diabetes mellitus type II and melanoma claims are now reopened due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran. Service connection is established for these conditions based on herbicide exposure during service.

The Veteran's service connection claims for other specified personality disorder and PTSD have been denied. The Board found that the Veteran's personality disorders are not disabilities for VA compensation purposes, and thus cannot be granted as a matter of law.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD and Hepatitis C have been remanded due to the need for further development regarding in-service stressors and potential service connection.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection of sleep apnea and for an earlier effective date for PTSD due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, as there is no credible supporting evidence that a claimed in-service stressor occurred.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information regarding the Veteran's claimed combat experience in Vietnam and the need for further medical examination.

The Veteran's PTSD and dysthymia resulted in social impairment with deficiencies in areas such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood. However, they did not result in total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD was granted a 100% evaluation from January 26, 2012 to November 20, 2014.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection of PTSD due to insufficient evidence linking a claimed in-service incident with the diagnosed condition.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of October 14, 2016 for the award of service connection for PTSD. However, the issue of entitlement to a higher initial rating for PTSD remains pending and requires further action.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, PTSD, and diabetes mellitus have been granted. The rating assigned has not yet been determined.

The Board has found errors in obtaining relevant medical records and Social Security Administration records, which are necessary to determine the appropriate effective dates for the Veteran's increased disability rating for PTSD with major depressive disorder and TDIU. The case is being remanded to obtain these records.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's reported in-service stressors are consistent with his military service and that he currently suffers from PTSD related to his active duty service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, adjustment disorder, anxiety, and depression. The Board found that his current diagnosis is not related to his military service or any service-connected disabilities.