PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2004

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD warrants an initial evaluation of 30 percent, effective September 28, 2001.

The Board denied service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than post-traumatic stress disorder, finding no evidence of such conditions in service or until many years thereafter. The Board also found that the veteran does not have residuals of a head injury.,Service connection was not granted for post-traumatic stress disorder due to lack of credible supporting evidence for claimed in-service stressors and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than post-traumatic stress disorder as there is no competent medical evidence linking such conditions to service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder, left eye conjunctivitis, and right leg arthritis. The appeals to reopen claims of entitlement to service connection for residuals of a right knee injury, residuals of a left knee injury, and right eye conjunctivitis were also denied.

The Board found that the veteran did not engage in combat with the enemy and there was no credible supporting evidence of the claimed in-service stressors. Therefore, service connection for PTSD was denied.

The Board found no evidence of a diagnosed sleep disorder and denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a sleep disorder. The issue of an initial rating for PTSD remains pending.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, but the attorney's fee agreement related to this issue is being reviewed due to jurisdictional issues.

The Board denied a rating higher than 50 percent for PTSD and also denied the claim for a TDIU rating.

The veteran's PTSD is found to be incurred in service, and the appeal for service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service connection claim for PTSD is granted, as it meets the criteria based on direct evidence of a link between his in-service stressors and his current condition.

The veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were granted. He was also granted initial evaluations of 10 percent for Type II diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, and peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, effective from January 4, 2001 (diabetes mellitus) and October 23, 2001 (peripheral neuropathy of each lower extremity), respectively. The veteran's claim for a TDIU was denied.

The veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining unit history reports and a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, sinusitis with headaches, and generalized joint pain with fatigue due to a lack of evidence supporting the occurrence of the claimed stressors.

The veteran's PTSD has been granted a 100 percent evaluation, resolving the issue of entitlement to TDIU.

The Board granted an increased rating of 100% for the veteran's Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder effective from March 27, 1999. The RO then issued a check to the veteran for past-due benefits without withholding any portion for attorney fees.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and the need for further development, including obtaining treatment records from VA facilities and the Social Security Administration. The veteran's PTSD symptoms are unclear, and a new VA psychiatric examination is needed to assess his current disability picture.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, the maximum available rating under current criteria. The appeal for a higher rating remains pending.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and asbestosis, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for post-traumatic stress disorder is being remanded due to the need for further development, including a new VA psychiatric examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD was incurred in active service and granted service connection.

The Board has received notification from the appellant that they wish to withdraw their appeal, and thus the appeal is dismissed.