PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's LEMS was not service-connected, and his claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 based on VA's failure to timely diagnose and properly treat LEMS was also denied.

The Veteran seeks service connection for various conditions, including a right thumb fracture and eye disorders. The Board finds that additional examinations are needed to assess these claims due to the lack of recent medical evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to the RO for further development, including scheduling a VA examination and ensuring all requested development has been completed. The Veteran will be notified of any untimely substantive appeals.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was granted with an effective date of May 18, 2008. This decision is based on new evidence submitted after the initial denial in March 2000.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hearing loss was denied as there is no evidence of a hearing loss disability for VA purposes. The effective date for the grant of service connection for tinnitus remains November 30, 2007.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent prior to February 19, 2008 and increased to 70 percent from April 1, 2008. The rating is granted for the latter period.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA examination and opinion regarding his acquired psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD. The stressors are being evaluated in light of recent regulations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for additional development due to missing medical records from the Fort Worth OPC and Austin Division of the Central Texas VA medical system. The case will be readjudicated after these records are obtained.

The Board has determined that additional evidence received after the last SSOC was issued in November 2010 is relevant to the Veteran's claim for an increased rating of his service-connected PTSD. Therefore, a remand is required for issuance of an SSOC and consideration of this new evidence. The AOJ must also seek all pertinent treatment records from the Grand Rapids Vet Center and consider whether entitlement to TDIU should be considered as part of the readjudication of the Veteran's increased rating claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD and panic disorder with depression, were incurred in active service due to military sexual trauma.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions and records. The focus is on his claimed acquired psychiatric disorder, chronic feet disability, and hives.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and consideration of his claims for service connection for PTSD and hepatitis C infection.

The Veteran's PTSD causes occupational and social impairment, with deficiencies in most areas, but does not result in total occupational and social impairment. A 70 percent rating for PTSD is granted from June 1, 2008 forward.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining complete SSA records and a VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 100 percent for the period beginning November 14, 2007. The right shoulder disability has been granted an effective date of July 16, 1998.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if any diagnosed psychiatric disorder is related to service.

The Board has remanded the claim for further development, including obtaining confirmation of specific stressors in service and conducting a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is related to his military service.

The Veteran's low back disorder, right thumb disorder, degenerative joint disease of the right shoulder, and headaches are found to be related to service. The psychiatric disorder (inclusive of PTSD) is also granted as it is considered a direct result of service.

The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD and his statements as to continuity of symptomatology were deemed not credible. The VA examiners indicated that the Veteran's reported stressor was unconfirmed, inconsistent with service records, and insufficient to meet the diagnostic criteria.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is rated at 50% since March 4, 2005. His gastrointestinal disorder has been granted as incurred in service.