PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's PTSD and Major Depression have been service-connected, but the current disability rating for PTSD is only 50 percent.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary to verify the appellant's service dates and potential in-service stressors, as well as obtain relevant VA treatment records. The case is therefore being remanded for these purposes.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity is found to be caused by long-term use of Flagyl, a medication prescribed and overseen by VA providers. The Board finds that this condition was not reasonably foreseeable and grants compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, depressive disorder, and bipolar disorder, were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The claim is denied.

The Veteran was paid VA disability compensation in the amount of $5,889.23 when he should have been paid $0 due to his reentry into active duty.,The Veteran is entitled to waiver of recovery of this overpayment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a skin disability, blackouts, and shrapnel wounds in the right leg and knee were denied as there was no evidence of exposure to mustard gas or other conditions that could be presumed due to service. The claim for foot fungus is pending.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, and TDIU was denied as his character of discharge from active military service is dishonorable, and he does not have a qualifying disability. The Board also found that the Veteran is not totally unemployable due to his service-connected residuals of a fracture to the mandible.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, reflecting occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since May 31, 2011. The VA Appeals Management Center (AMC) granted this rating after considering new evidence of increased severity.

The Board found that the Veteran does not currently have PTSD and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a new VA audiology examination and an updated VCAA notice letter to inform the Veteran of the evidence necessary to substantiate his claims. The Veteran will be asked to provide any further information or evidence as may serve to support alleged stressors in service supportive of his PTSD claim.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to corroborate alleged stressor events in service and determine if any psychiatric disability is related to such events.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since March 28, 2006. The Board finds that the evidence supports this rating and does not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial disability rating for PTSD is being remanded due to the need to obtain additional private treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO in Cheyenne, Wyoming for scheduling a videoconference hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals. The issue remains unresolved and will be reconsidered after the hearing.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted based on his reported in-service stressors and the diagnosis of PTSD by VA psychiatrists.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine and acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, depression, and anxiety (panic), are at least as likely as not related to his military service. The Veteran was exposed to combat in Iraq, which is sufficient evidence for service connection under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1154(b).

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has granted a 70 percent rating. The issues of increased evaluations for his other service-connected conditions are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is productive of symptoms such as a depressed mood, anxiety, sleep difficulties including nightmares, flashbacks, memory difficulties, and irritability, resulting in moderate occupational and social impairment. The Board finds that the criteria for an increased rating of 50 percent have been met.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for PTSD and found that new evidence supports a diagnosis of PTSD related to in-service stressors, including fear of hostile military activity. The Veteran's symptoms are linked to his reported experiences during service.