PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for service connection for schizophrenia and PTSD are being remanded due to the need for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and a VA examination.

The Veteran was granted service connection for PTSD, diabetes mellitus, back condition, sciatica, Bell's palsy, and heart condition. The effective date of the grant of service connection for diabetes mellitus is set to November 17, 2005.

New and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The Veteran's testimony alone cannot establish the occurrence of a non-combat stressor. However, there is no credible evidence establishing that the Veteran's claimed stressor - driving a Jeep into the ditch during service - took place.,New and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder. The Veteran's statements are considered in light of previous denials based on lack of evidence showing a relationship between current psychiatric disorders and service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to a request for a travel board hearing at the RO.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before a decision on the merits can be made regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD. The Veteran's statements regarding combat stressors are considered credible and should be taken into account in any opinion regarding nexus between his current psychiatric disabilities and service.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, effective from the date of the March 2007 rating decision. The disability remains in excess of 30 percent prior to July 3, 2006.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board has ordered a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected disability. The RO/AMC must also obtain all relevant private, VA, and Vet Center records for review.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's PTSD.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a left ankle disorder, as well as his claim for an initial rating in excess of 0 percent for left ear hearing loss. The Veteran did not have a left ankle disability or provide credible evidence to support his claimed residuals from a left ankle sprain.

The Board has remanded the case due to new regulations regarding PTSD service connection and a need for further examination. The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD is being reviewed under these new regulations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and further development of his claims.

The VA determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD did not contribute to his death, and found that his death was due to natural progression of underlying cardiac disease.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was presented to reopen the claim for service connection for a low back disability, but it is not granted as there is no medical evidence linking the current condition to service. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD remains granted.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including providing proper notice and obtaining a medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected PTSD caused or contributed to his death.

The Veteran's PTSD was initially rated at 50 percent prior to November 8, 2007. The Board granted a higher rating of 100 percent effective from April 9, 2007. The right varicocele issue remains unresolved.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is dismissed as the issue has been resolved by a grant of service connection for PTSD with depressive disorder, not otherwise specified.

The Veteran's claim for an increased initial rating for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and the retrieval of pertinent medical records.

The Board has determined that an anxiety disorder not otherwise specified with PTSD features is related to the Veteran's service in Vietnam, and therefore grants service connection for this condition. However, no other psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, are found to be related to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD and anxiety, is being remanded due to the need for an examination to determine the etiology of any current psychiatric disability. The examiner will also be asked to specify whether the Veteran meets the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, the maximum available rating under Diagnostic Code 9411. The disability results in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.