PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for all issues on appeal.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a psychiatric disability due to inconsistencies in his statements and military records, as well as potential exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The Veteran will be provided an opportunity for a VA examination to determine if any of his psychiatric disabilities are related to or had their onset during service.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol dependence causes disturbances in mood, occupational functioning, and social relationships due to symptoms such as impaired impulse control and occasional suicidal ideation. The disability results in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas such as work, personal relations, and mood, but not total social and occupational impairment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD, MDD, MDD with psychotic features, and adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depression, is being remanded due to the need for additional development of her claims file.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to obtain relevant records and provide necessary examinations. The Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension, PTSD/Depression, and a respiratory disability are on appeal.

The Veteran's appeals for hepatitis A, tinea versicolor, right foot arthritis, left ankle injury residuals, and PTSD were withdrawn. The Veteran was granted service connection for hypertension and paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia and atrial fibrillation. His initial ratings for PTSD and right shoulder dislocation residuals with degenerative changes have been increased to 70% and 30%, respectively.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to scheduling issues for a hearing. The case will be returned to the Board after any necessary actions are taken.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, paranoid schizophrenia, and major depressive disorder, are related to his service. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's appeals have been dismissed due to his death. The Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of these claims.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to August 4, 1998 for the grant of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was denied as a matter of law.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, an acquired psychiatric disorder including PTSD, a right knee disorder, and a left knee disorder are all granted. The Veteran does not have ratable hearing loss but his hearing has worsened more than 10 dB from his entrance to his exit physical at least at one of the ratable frequencies.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a current VA examination and updated treatment records.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and VA treatment records, as well as any relevant SSI disability benefits records. The Veteran will also be afforded a new VA psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD is granted as the evidence supports a diagnosis of PTSD and establishes that it is related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied due to the death of the appellant during the appeal process.

The Veteran's sole service-connected disability, PTSD, does not meet the criteria for a TDIU as his education and work experience do not preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's reported in-service personal assault stressor is credible and has granted service connection for PTSD. The diagnoses of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are also supported by the evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD was initially rated at 30 percent prior to January 17, 2010. As of January 17, 2010, the disability rating for PTSD has not changed and remains at 30 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board has determined that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his appointed representative and himself, leaving no issues for the Board to consider.