PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and bipolar disorder must be remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding whether her claimed in-service sexual assault occurred, and if so, whether her current psychiatric disabilities are related to her military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a cervical spine disability, spontaneous pneumothorax, chest pain, blood vessel damage of the head, mini-strokes or transient ischemic attacks, skin disorder, or hypertension due to service. The claims are denied.

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 50 percent for PTSD is remanded. The effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD is also remanded due to a new evidence submission. Additionally, his TDIU claim is remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was not incurred in or aggravated by service, nor may sensorineural hearing loss be presumed to have been incurred in service. Therefore, service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability, rated at 10 percent from December 11, 2005, to March 28, 2010, and increased to 50 percent thereafter, met the criteria for a 50 percent rating during this period.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder was previously rated at 50 percent, but is now rated at 70 percent due to increased severity of symptoms and impairment.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his acquired psychiatric disorder is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of the updated medical evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including a VA psychiatric examination to determine the current severity of his PTSD and whether it renders him unemployable.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD. The Veteran was exposed to combat-related stressors during his time in Vietnam, which is sufficient to establish service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a low back disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there was no clear and unmistakable evidence showing a pre-existing condition prior to service. The Board also found insufficient evidence to establish direct service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD is manifested by occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency, but generally functioning satisfactorily. The Board finds that the evidence supports a rating of 30 percent for PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues with verifying the Veteran's claimed stressors and for a VA examination to determine if he has PTSD. The appeal is now in remand status.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) has denied the Veteran's claim for an increased rating greater than 50 percent for PTSD.

The Veteran seeks service connection for various acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. The Board has remanded the case to obtain a new VA examination and opinions regarding the etiology of his current psychiatric disabilities.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD. The Veteran's reported stressors are consistent with his military service in Southwest Asia, which is considered an 'imminent danger pay area.' A VA psychiatrist confirmed the diagnosis of PTSD and linked it to the Veteran's service.

The Veteran's PTSD has been manifested by occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, but not total occupational and social impairment. The criteria for a TDIU have been met.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the Board's failure to provide an adequate statement of reasons or bases for denying his claim for higher disability ratings for PTSD. The case will be returned for further appellate consideration.

The Veteran's claim for a total rating based on unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is being remanded for further development, including obtaining employment records and medical examinations.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine if his acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety, is related to service. The case will be returned to the Board after this development.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 50 percent disability rating, effective from November 2004.