PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Board has reopened the claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD and granted it, finding that there is sufficient evidence to link a diagnosed PTSD to an in-service stressor.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, the maximum schedular rating available. The Board finds no basis to grant a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with alcohol abuse meets the schedular requirements for a TDIU, but his disability does not preclude him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board found that the preponderance of evidence is against a finding that any acquired psychiatric disorder, to include anxiety disorder and PTSD, was incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board found that the Veteran's PTSD did not contribute substantially or materially to his death, as evidenced by VA examiners' opinions and medical records. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that service-connected conditions caused or contributed to the cause of death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder should be remanded due to incomplete stressor verification, potential applicability of amended regulations regarding PTSD claims, and need for additional VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient data regarding the Veteran's stressors and symptoms, and the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for further development, including verification of his claimed stressors and additional treatment records.

The Board found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension and PTSD, resulting in a denial.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, heart disability, asthma, and stomach disability. The appeals were not granted as there was no credible evidence linking these conditions to service or any presumptive exposure.

The Veteran's appeal is for a higher initial rating for PTSD, with the RO granting a 70 percent disability rating effective January 24, 2008. The Veteran requested an earlier effective date but was denied. The case is now remanded to schedule a Travel Board hearing.

The Veteran's depression has been related to his military service and his service-connected tinnitus, warranting service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in reduced reliability and productivity, but not to the extent that would warrant a higher initial evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected based on credible evidence of an in-service stressor and a current diagnosis. For his bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, the Board finds that additional development is needed to determine if there is a current disability related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for arthritis of the right and left hands, as well as reopened the previously denied claim for a psychiatric disorder (now reopened to include PTSD and depressive disorder). The Veteran's current diagnoses are considered direct service connection cases.

The Veteran's thoracic spine disability is rated at 20 percent effective from June 17, 2009. The rating reflects the limitation of motion and pain in the thoracolumbar spine.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for scheduling a Board hearing at the appropriate Regional Office (RO). The issues are related to reopening service connection claims and establishing eligibility for treatment.

The Veteran's claim is being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records and examination.

The Veteran's PTSD from May 2005 to August 2008 most nearly approximated occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, reflecting difficulty in establishing and maintaining effective work and social relationships.