PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a right knee disability, but denied the remaining claims. The Veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to conflicting evidence in his VA records.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran's symptoms have been related to his active duty service, and the evidence is in equipoise as to whether he should be granted service connection.

The Veteran's death pension benefits were not awarded to the appellant as his mother, since he is over the age of 23 and does not qualify as a child for accrued benefits purposes. The claim was denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and issuing new medical opinions.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated as 70 percent disabling, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment. His depression is also considered in the evaluation.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is found to be attributable to his in-service combat service stressors and granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected, and his major depressive disorder and nicotine use disorder are secondary to his PTSD.

The Board has determined that additional examination is needed to address the nature and severity of nonservice-connected disorders, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and incontinence. The Veteran's need for assistance appears to be based, at least in part, on bowel and bladder incontinence.

The Veteran's PTSD and hearing loss have been rated at 70 percent combined, meeting the threshold for TDIU. The Board finds that his service-connected disabilities result in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's request for waiver of overpayment of VA education benefits was timely filed due to circumstances beyond his control, including hospitalization and treatment for PTSD. The debt is valid as the Veteran did not withdraw from classes or receive a nonpunitive grade.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, a sleep disorder, and dizziness. The new evidence presented raises reasonable possibility of substantiating these claims.

The Board is remanding the case to obtain a VA examination and address whether it is possible to distinguish the Veteran's psychiatric symptoms from his service-connected TBI. The AOJ should also consider whether the Veteran is entitled to TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records from identified facilities and ensuring all necessary information has been obtained.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, right ankle arthritis with ligament reconstruction, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and a right ankle scar, rendered him unable to dress or undress himself, attend to his personal hygiene, manage his finances or medications, walk, relieve himself without assistance, and protect from hazards. The Board finds that SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance is warranted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and further development of his stressor allegations.

The Veteran is entitled to a permanent and total service-connected disability rating based on individual unemployability since August 26, 2008. Effective January 13, 2011, the Veteran's TDIU claim was granted.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his request for withdrawal of the claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including depression and PTSD, was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not establish a link between current symptoms and in-service stressors. Service treatment records do not indicate any complaints or diagnoses related to these conditions. The Veteran's current psychiatric condition is being treated through counseling but does not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, Meniere's Disease, and an acquired psychiatric disability to include posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal.