PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection of PTSD and granted it, finding that new evidence received since the May 2007 denial relates to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a comprehensive psychiatric examination. His TDIU claim is also inextricably intertwined with his PTSD claim and will be addressed concurrently.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, but the Board has determined that a higher rating of 70 percent is warranted due to significant occupational and social impairment.

The Board finds that further development is needed to determine if the Veteran's service-connected PTSD contributed substantially or materially to his death, which was caused by an accidental fall resulting from dizziness and imbalance due to medications for PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing. The issues of service connection are not addressed as this is a procedural matter.

The Veteran's service connection claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder, diverticulosis, residuals of bowel obstruction, and gastroesophageal disease have been denied as the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to her military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and PTSD, is related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's service connection claims for kidney stones, skin cancer, hypertension, coronary artery disease, depression and anxiety, and PTSD have been granted based on presumed exposure to Agent Orange during his Vietnam service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected due to exposure to decomposed bodies during his service aboard the U.S.S. Coronado.

The Board has remanded the case due to a recent amendment to VA regulations regarding service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The Veteran's PTSD is being evaluated based on his statements about his experiences in Iraq, which included feeling scared. If the evidence of record is insufficient, he will be afforded a VA examination and obtain a medical opinion under the duty to assist.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and need for further examination regarding the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD. The Veteran is required to provide specific dates of treatment at the Vet Center and any associated records must be obtained.

The Veteran's PTSD disability rating was increased to 70 percent, effective April 28, 2006.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board has found that this rating adequately reflects his current level of disability. From May 27, 2011, the Veteran's PTSD warrants a 50 percent evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and adjudicating his claim for TDIU. The case will be returned to the Board if further action is required.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, the maximum schedular rating available for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including requesting mental examination reports and trial transcripts. The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is at issue, but the appeal is not solely about service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected dysthymic disorder is manifested by occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity due to disturbances in mood and motivation including depression, irritability, insomnia, social isolation, excessive fatigue, avoidance, diminished personal hygiene, and mild cognitive dysfunction. The criteria for a 50 percent disability rating are met.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development to assess his employability due to service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and right median neuropathy. The case will be reconsidered after the additional evidence has been reviewed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is granted. The diagnosis of PTSD was established by a VA psychiatrist and the stressor events are consistent with the Veteran's documented service in Vietnam.