PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for PTSD and granted it, finding that new evidence supports a diagnosis of PTSD related to in-service stressors. The Veteran's depression is also considered as part of his psychiatric disorder.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including providing proper duty-to-assist notice and obtaining VA examinations for PTSD and tinnitus.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD contributed substantially and materially to his death from metastatic unknown primary adenocarcinoma.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD due to new and material evidence. However, further examination is needed to determine if the Veteran has a current psychiatric disability, including PTSD, that is related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected generalized anxiety disorder with posttraumatic stress disorder does not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance or at the housebound rate due to his non-service connected physical disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new VA examination to assess the severity of his PTSD. The TDIU claim has also been raised by the record and needs to be addressed.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, a respiratory disorder, and chronic headaches have been denied as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions that are related to service or any in-service stressors. The Board finds the evidence does not support a finding of service connection.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for clarification regarding whether the Veteran wishes to have another hearing on his PTSD claim. The appeal is currently in a state of pending status.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than July 22, 2002 for a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) due to PTSD. The August 1998 rating decision implicitly denied TDIU without addressing it separately.

The Veteran's appeals of entitlement to increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and PTSD have been dismissed due to the withdrawal by his representative.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD is dismissed as it is barred by law due to the finality of a prior rating decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim should be remanded for further development, including obtaining VA clinical records and a psychiatric examination to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claims for major depression and PTSD are granted, as her diagnoses align with the criteria set forth in the regulations.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD. The Veteran's psychiatric disability other than PTSD is also addressed.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an initial rating greater than 70 percent for PTSD before the Board could make a decision.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms were productive of total occupational and social impairment starting on August 11, 2004. The Board granted an effective date of August 11, 2004 for the assignment of a 100 percent evaluation for PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for PTSD was denied, and the claims for bilateral hearing loss, peripheral neuropathy of the feet, and TDIU were also denied. The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD remains in controversy as less than the maximum benefit available has been awarded.

The Veteran's tinnitus is related to his military service, and he has an acquired psychiatric disorder that is not due to willful misconduct. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder remains pending as the issue of whether new and material evidence was submitted is still under consideration.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does have PTSD related to in-service stressors and grants service connection for acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD and anxiety disorder, are related to his service. The claim is granted.