PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2004

The veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied, and his claim for an increased rating for Hepatitis B and C was also denied. The veteran did not engage in combat with the enemy during his service in Vietnam, and there is no credible supporting evidence of the claimed stressors. His current symptoms align with a 40 percent disability rating for Hepatitis B and C.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for PTSD and chloracne due to exposure to herbicides, finding no new and material evidence to reopen the previously denied claims.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder, finding that there was no current disability and no credible supporting evidence of an in-service stressor. The VA examinations and opinions provided by VA psychiatrists contradicted the initial diagnosis of PTSD.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD, which is manifested primarily by impaired sleep, frequent nightmares, anger, violence, and suicidal and homicidal ideation, has been granted a 100 percent schedular rating.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the claim of service connection for an innocently acquired psychiatric disorder, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

The veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional medical evidence and a readjudication of his claim.

The Board has determined that Hepatitis C was not incurred in or aggravated by service. The veteran's claims for PTSD and depression, as well as an increased evaluation for sling palsy of the left arm, are remanded.

The Board has found that additional development is required before it can adjudicate the veteran's claims for an increased evaluation for PTSD and a TDIU. The case is being remanded to the RO for further action.

The VA determined that the veteran's service-connected PTSD warrants a 50 percent disability rating, effective from April 27, 2001.

The Board has remanded the case due to deficiencies in VCAA notice and development of evidence, including obtaining medical records, verifying stressors, and providing VA examinations.

The Board found that the veteran did not engage in combat and there is no evidence of a verified stressor related to his service, thus denying his claim for service connection for PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to determine if new and material evidence has been received to reopen a claim of service connection for PTSD. If so, the veteran will be afforded an examination to determine the nature and etiology of any diagnosed psychiatric disorder.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have post-traumatic stress disorder, ischemic heart disease, eczema, or pneumonia. The claims for these conditions are denied.

The Board has granted the appellant's claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, finding that an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, was etiologically related to the veteran's active military service and contributed to his death.

The veteran's PTSD results in occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks, warranting a 30 percent disability rating.

The Board has denied service connection for a low back disorder and PTSD due to lack of competent medical evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board found that the veteran's psychiatric disability, including PTSD, was not incurred or aggravated by service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for psychiatric disability other than PTSD. The case will now be reviewed on its merits.