PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2004

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board found that the veteran's current headaches are not related to service and were not caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability such as the fracture of the left zygomaticomaxillary compound and left zygomatic arch. The residuals of fracture of the left zygomaticomaxillary compound and left zygomatic arch resulted in pain and slight limitation of motion, but did not result in inter-incisal range limitation.

The Board granted the veteran's motion to advance this case on the docket based on a finding of good cause. The issue on appeal is whether the veteran should be rated as 100 percent disabled for his PTSD due to his symptomatology.

The veteran's claim for service connection for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder was denied. The RO granted the veteran a 10% evaluation for residuals of a shrapnel wound to the right hand, effective October 6, 2003.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD due to a lack of verified in-service stressors and insufficient medical evidence linking current symptoms to service.

The veteran is seeking to reopen his previously denied claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The Board will consider the submitted evidence and determine if it constitutes new and material evidence.

The VA determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and therefore cannot establish service connection for PTSD.

The veteran's PTSD symptoms, including anger, irritability, violence, occasional suicidal thoughts, reliving combat experiences, anxiety, isolation, guilt, nightmares, and poor impulse control, rendered him unemployable for the period from June 16, 1997, to April 30, 2001. The VA determined that he met the percentage requirements for a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes.

The VA has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, dizziness, shortness of breath, a spinal disorder, and spots on the liver. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to his military service or exposure to nerve gas.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection in various areas, including psychiatric disability (other than PTSD), back disability, stomach disability, auditory hallucinations, and allergies. The appeals were based on new evidence submitted by the veteran.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The veteran's skin disorder and PTSD are not service connected due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service, including exposure to herbicides.

The Board finds that the veteran's PTSD is attributable to stressors experienced in service and grants his claim for service connection.

The veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need to verify in-service stressors and determine if they are sufficient to establish a diagnosis of PTSD.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder and PTSD, finding no current diagnosis of PTSD and noting that her symptoms were better explained by her diagnosed bipolar disorder.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD due to lack of evidence showing the veteran currently has this condition. The claim for a left leg disorder is being remanded as there are insufficient records available.

The veteran is seeking a higher rating for his service-connected PTSD, but the RO has already granted him a 70% disability rating. The Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) has ordered additional development to determine if the veteran's lack of motivation and preference for solitude are related to his PTSD.

The Board found that there is no evidence of a verified stressor related to the veteran's active service, and thus denied the claim for service connection for PTSD.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD due to new evidence submitted. The hepatitis C claim is pending and requires additional development.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and increased initial disability ratings for left knee ACL deficiency and osteoarthritis. The veteran was not granted service connection for PTSD due to lack of a current diagnosis. For his left knee disabilities, he received a 20 percent rating for ACL deficiency status post medial meniscectomy.