PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his claims, including obtaining VRT records and VA treatment records. He also needs to be provided a supplemental statement of the case regarding his claim for a higher initial evaluation for fibromyalgia.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date than August 15, 2009 for service connection for PTSD and GAD, finding that the first diagnosis of PTSD was dated on August 15, 2009. The opinion relating the GAD to PTSD is not considered sufficient to establish service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination to assess the severity of his PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and reserve service records. The claims will be re-adjudicated based on the additional evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression with chronic adjustment disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's claim for inclusion of PTSD as a component of his service-connected psychiatric disorder was denied. The Board found that the Veteran is already compensated for all of his psychiatric symptomatology by means of his service-connected adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood, and no separate and distinct symptoms from those already contemplated by that rating assignment have been demonstrated in the record.

The Veteran's PTSD was manifested by mild symptoms that did not significantly impair his occupational and social functioning, warranting a 10 percent disability rating.

The VA denied the Veteran's claim for a disability rating greater than 50 percent for PTSD, finding that his symptoms were manifested by mild depression and social withdrawal.

The Veteran's PTSD causes significant impairment in work, social, and family life. The Board has determined that a 70 percent rating is warranted for the entire claims period.

The Veteran's claim for bilateral hearing loss disability was denied as he does not have a current hearing loss disability. The claim for PTSD was not addressed due to the need for clarification of specific stressors.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining private medical records and a VA examination to assess his PTSD symptoms. The TDIU claim also requires the issuance of an SOC.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining records from SSA, seeking authorization for certain medical records, and arranging for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's psychiatric disability (including PTSD) and low back disability are related to service.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have been rated at 70 percent since January 5, 2007. The effective date for this rating is set as of that same day. His claim for TDIU has also been granted.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD caused nicotine addiction, which contributed to his death from metastatic small cell cancer. The Board finds that the service-connected disability (PTSD) substantially or materially contributed to the cause of death.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is characterized by significant social and occupational impairment, including suicidal thoughts, depression, anxiety, recurrent nightmares, and difficulty with memory. The current rating of 70% reflects the severity of these symptoms.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, effective from January 14, 2008.

The Veteran died of pneumonia and colorectal cancer, with PTSD listed as a significant condition contributing to his death. The Board found no service connection for the conditions that caused his death.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in mild occupational and social impairment from March 10, 2009 onward. The Board granted a 10 percent disability rating for this period.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining SSA records and VA treatment records. The claim will be re-adjudicated after these actions.