PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the onset and etiology of the Veteran's lower back disability and right ankle disability. The claims for PTSD and depressive disorder remain denied as there is no credible evidence supporting the claimed in-service stressors.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions due to a lack of VA treatment records and SSA disability benefits records. The Veteran is also requested to provide any additional pertinent evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD effective July 19, 2012. The Veteran's informal claim for PTSD was filed within the first post-service year and his headaches were related to PTSD. The earlier effective date of March 1, 2008 is granted as it aligns with the Veteran's discharge from active service.

The Board has ordered a new examination for the Veteran's ischemic heart disease and PTSD with depression due to the lack of recent medical records and the possibility that current examinations may not have included necessary diagnostic testing.

The Veteran's PTSD and major depressive disorder are related to his service in Bosnia. His lower back disability is also related to his service, as is his left knee disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (PTSD, TBI, and post-concussion headaches) preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment due to his PTSD alone.

The Board has remanded the claims for hypertension and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology. The Veteran's service records show episodes of nose bleeds and dizziness related to high blood pressure, which may be linked to his current diagnosis of hypertension. For PTSD, the Board found the VA examination inadequate and remanded for further opinion.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was granted with an effective date of February 28, 2007.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD was denied, with the Board finding that his symptoms did not warrant an increase in disability beyond what is currently assigned.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the 70 percent rating for PTSD was also denied. The Board found no evidence of increased severity within one year prior to July 29, 2013.

The Veteran's PTSD prior to February 19, 2013 was not manifested by occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.,From February 19, 2013, the Veteran's PTSD has been manifested by total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is at least as likely as not related to his service in Vietnam.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting diagnoses and a need for further examination regarding the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete military personnel records and an unclear opinion regarding whether the Veteran's psychiatric disability existed prior to service. The Veteran is not entitled to service connection for his psychiatric disorder as it does not clearly and unmistakably exist prior to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, coronary artery disease, degenerative joint and disc disease, and sciatica, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on the combined rating of at least 70% due to these conditions.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD, a cervical spine disability, and a low back disability have been reopened. The claim for PTSD is granted as the evidence supports that his PTSD is related to in-service stressors. Service connection is also granted for the cervical spine disability due to its relation to an in-service event. However, the Veteran's low back disability cannot be linked to service.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a heart disorder, esophageal cancer, diabetes mellitus, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The remand requires further development of evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to Agent Orange during service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety, depression and PTSD, has been rated at 70% since May 31, 2007. The effective date for the TDIU is also set to May 31, 2007.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, the highest available rating under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders. This reflects significant occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking or mood.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for right shoulder disability was denied.,Service connection for PTSD was not granted due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a psychiatric examination and additional records, including Vet Center treatment records.