PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal has been remanded due to procedural issues and the need for a Travel Board hearing. The claims of service connection for PTSD, lumbar spine disability, left hip disability, peripheral neuropathy, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus are still pending.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Johnson City Medical Center on June 5, 2009 were approved as the treatment was for a condition of such nature that a prudent layperson would have reasonably expected delay in seeking immediate medical attention to be hazardous to life or health. Additionally, VA facilities were not feasibly available.

The Board found that the appellant's gastrointestinal disorder did not manifest during service or within one year of separation, is not related to his service-connected right testicle carcinoma or PTSD, and is not due to herbicide exposure. The claim was denied.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, but it is not warranted as the acquired psychiatric disorder did not result from service.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant, and thus the case is dismissed.

The Board found that the Veteran's death was not caused by service-connected PTSD, as there is no evidence of alcohol abuse or substance use disorder related to his PTSD. The cause of death was determined to be metastatic pancreatic cancer, which was not linked to any service-connected condition.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted service connection as it is presumed to have been incurred in combat. Service connection for hypertension, secondary to major depression, was also granted.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was not received to reopen claims for service connection for PTSD, low back disorder, hepatitis, stomach disorder, leg cramps, and headaches. However, new and material evidence was received to reopen the claim of service connection for right ear hearing loss.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and an initial disability rating of 50 percent for PTSD from May 31, 2005 to April 17, 2007. The Veteran's claim for a higher rating is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and opinion regarding the sufficiency of the claimed stressor as well as the relationship between his symptoms and the claimed in-service stressors.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and entitlement to a TDIU as his effective date for service connection was determined to be June 20, 2003.

The Veteran's PTSD was initially rated at 10 percent prior to December 3, 2008. From December 3, 2008 to March 8, 2009, the rating was increased to 30 percent. As of March 9, 2009, a higher 70 percent disability rating for PTSD was granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional evidence and examination, including verification of service in Korea and private treatment records. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered based on this new information.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD, including obtaining VA medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent prior to October 8, 2009. The rating is granted as the symptoms did not worsen during the one year period before the increased rating claim.

The Board has granted service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, and Schizoaffective Disorder due to a personal assault during military service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and determined that he likely developed PTSD due to traumatic events during his military service. The evidence now supports a diagnosis of PTSD, which is related to his service.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, a heart disability, and other conditions. The claims were not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD with dysthymic disorder is currently rated at 30 percent, reflecting occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not suffer from PTSD and therefore, service connection for PTSD is denied.