PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and issues with development of evidence. The Veteran's claims for service connection are being reviewed, as well as his claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD. The Board also found that the Veteran meets the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD, thus granting the claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination and further development of evidence. The Veteran's claim for service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder is pending.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran served in a location involving 'hostile military or terrorist activity' and, if so, whether the claimed stressors are related to this service. The case will be remanded for further action.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim to reopen his previously denied PTSD service connection is remanded for additional development, including obtaining relevant VA treatment records and providing VCAA notice.

The Veteran's TDIU rating is granted with an effective date of April 1, 2006. The Board found that the Veteran was unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as a result of his service-connected disabilities as of April 1, 2006.

The Board has reopened the claim for PTSD and denied service connection due to lack of a confirmed diagnosis. The Veteran's other claims are addressed in the REMAND portion.

The Veteran does not have a diagnosed PTSD or Adjustment Disorder due to service. His Adjustment Disorder is attributed to an unrelated event, and his PTSD claim lacks the required DSM-IV diagnosis.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is related to his military service events and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VCAA notice and consideration of the issues related to his PTSD rating and TDIU claim.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for clarification regarding his ability to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected PTSD. A new VA examination will be scheduled to determine this.

The Veteran does not have hearing loss, tinnitus, or an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, Adjustment Disorder, and Depressive Disorder) that is related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has been productive of symptoms including nightmares, intrusive thoughts, increased startle response, flashbacks, anxiety, social avoidance, survivor guilt, hypervigilance, irritability, and depression. The evidence does not show occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas and with an inability to establish and maintain effective relationships.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to her service and grants her claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD and bilateral inguinal hernia repair, as well as his claim of entitlement to a TDIU. The Veteran is also required to provide new evidence to reopen his previously denied claim for service connection for Meniere's disease.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss, PTSD, left knee shell fragment wound residuals, tinnitus, degenerative changes of the left knee, and varicosities of the left leg, render him unemployable. The Board has determined that his service-connected disabilities alone preclude him from engaging in substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and providing VCAA notice regarding the TDIU claim. A VA psychiatric examination is also required to assess the current severity of PTSD and its impact on employment.

The Board denied an extra-schedular evaluation in excess of 20 percent for degenerative disc disease at L5-S1 and a schedular evaluation in excess of 70 percent prior to September 8, 2008 for PTSD. The claim for service connection for residuals of frostbite of the feet is pending.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and depressive disorder render him incapable of obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 50 percent for service-connected PTSD prior to October 1, 2010 and in excess of 70 percent beginning on that date has been granted.