PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss and an acquired psychiatric disorder were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a current disability under VA regulations, and thus could not establish entitlement to service connection.

The VA has granted a rating of 70 percent for PTSD, effective from the date of the decision. The appellant's PTSD is currently manifested by occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and finds that a current diagnosis of PTSD is established, and there is sufficient evidence to link it to his military service.

The Veteran's statements and testimony do not establish that he engaged in combat with the enemy, nor did his service records corroborate any such exposure. The Board finds that the evidence does not meet the criteria for service connection as PTSD or a sleep disorder.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for memory loss, fatigue, and headaches have been denied as new and material evidence has not been presented.,Service connection for a skin disorder and GERD is not granted due to lack of evidence supporting these conditions.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before a decision on the merits can be made regarding the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating for PTSD. The Veteran will need to provide additional evidence, including VA treatment records from specific facilities, as well as complete and return a hepatitis C risk factor questionnaire. A new VA examination for PTSD will also be scheduled.

The Board has expanded the issue to include an acquired psychiatric disability, however diagnosed. The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and depression is being remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal of the issues of entitlement to service connection for PTSD and diabetes mellitus, type II, has been withdrawn prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability was reopened and granted. Tinnitus is found to be related to service noise exposure.,PTSD meets the criteria for a 70 percent rating from September 11, 2012, and TDIU is granted.

The Board has granted an effective date of January 16, 2013 for the grant of service connection for PTSD. The earliest possible assignable effective date is being used.

The Board has determined that an effective date of December 2, 2012, but no earlier, is warranted for the assignment of a 30 percent evaluation for PTSD and TBI.

The Veteran had a permanent total disability from March 4, 2005 and the appellant was over the age of 18 but under the age of 26 at the time basic eligibility to DEA benefits has been established.

The Board has granted a 70 percent disability rating for PTSD since March 17, 2017. The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have been found to be more nearly approximating occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD and found that new evidence received since the last final denial raises a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim. However, the Board also determined that there is no current diagnosis of PTSD in the record.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and arranging for a psychiatric examination to determine whether the Veteran meets the criteria for PTSD and other acquired psychiatric disorders. The claim will be adjudicated again based on the new evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities combine to preclude substantially gainful employment, and the Board finds that he is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as a result of his service connected disabilities. Therefore, TDIU is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is found to have its onset in service and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depression, manic depression, and bipolar disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development. The case will be returned to the Board after further examination and consideration.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is currently rated at 70 percent disabling. The disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it has not resulted in total occupational and social impairment.