PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD based on a verified in-service stressor involving the apprehension of a Vietnamese suspect, which is considered adequate to support a diagnosis of PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date and TDIU were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not file a claim prior to March 29, 2002, when he received his original service connection award. His right hand/finger injury and PTSD with depression, bipolar features, anxiety and nervousness have been granted effective from March 29, 2002.

The Veteran's service connection claims for psychiatric disability, including PTSD, and heart disease, including ischemic heart disease, were denied as there was no credible evidence of an in-service stressor sufficient to support a diagnosis of PTSD. The Board also found that the current heart disorder is not related to service or any service-connected condition.

The Board has determined that the current record does not contain sufficient evidence to substantiate the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD based on an in-service personal assault. The case is being remanded for further development, including a medical examination and opinion regarding the occurrence of the alleged stressor.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining SSA records and VA/privately held treatment records.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a bilateral shoulder disability, and a right wrist disability due to new evidence received since May 2007. The claim is granted.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain additional medical opinions and records in order to determine if the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders are related to service, including her personal assault during service. The case will be returned for further development.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was rated at 10 percent prior to October 1, 2010 and increased to 30 percent as of that date. Service connection for lumbar spine degenerative changes and actinic keratosis were granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, schizoaffective disorder and depression, is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his claims file.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent from August 17, 2004 to April 5, 2007. The Board granted a higher evaluation of 70 percent for this period and denied the claim for TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent prior to July 14, 2011 and increased to 50 percent thereafter. The Board finds that the criteria for a 70 percent rating are met for the entire evaluation period.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for schizophrenia and posttraumatic stress disorder, finding that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and development of records.

The Veteran's PTSD with anxiety is currently evaluated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating due to occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a current clinical diagnosis of PTSD. The right knee osteoarthritis was also found to be unrelated to service.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any current acquired psychiatric disorder, including verification of an in-service stressor. The Veteran's claim will be remanded for a VA examination and opinion.

The appellant has withdrawn his appeals on the issues of service connection for tinnitus, increased evaluation for left knee disability, and increased evaluation for PTSD prior to June 5, 2009.

The Veteran's appeal of the increased rating for diabetes mellitus Type II has been withdrawn. The Board finds that he is entitled to SMC based on the need for aid and attendance (A&A) due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and clarification regarding his hearing loss disability claim. The issues of service connection, PTSD evaluation, and bilateral hearing loss disability are also being addressed.

The Board has remanded the case due to an outstanding hearing request by the Veteran, and a personal hearing before the Board is scheduled at her local RO.