PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2004

The Board has remanded the case due to VCAA compliance issues, and further development is needed before a final decision can be made.

The veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and an increased evaluation for hypertensive cardiovascular disease has been granted, with the effective date being October 17, 1969. The decision also addressed a previous denial of bilateral pes planus and hallux valgus of the right foot.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance or due to being housebound.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed PTSD is not service-connected as there was no in-service stressor event verified and his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his PTSD and right knee disorder, as well as service connection for a right foot disability and TDIU. The effective date of the award was not addressed in this decision.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and a back disorder, finding that there was no evidence of an in-service stressor related to combat or personal assault. The claim for PTSD is denied as the veteran did not meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD. The claim for a back disorder is also denied due to lack of competent medical evidence.

The veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a back injury was denied in April 1996 and is not reopened.,PTSD prior to April 13, 2004, does not warrant a rating greater than 10 percent.,TDIU due to service-connected disabilities prior to April 13, 2004, is denied.

The veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and Generalized Anxiety Disorder, was found to have been incurred during service. The condition resulted in mental unsoundness that led to suicide.

The Board denied the veteran's request to reopen his claim of service connection for PTSD due to lack of new and material evidence, despite receiving some medical records related to PTSD.

The Board has determined that the veteran's post-traumatic stress disorder warrants a 70 percent disability rating, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Board has decided that the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD should be remanded due to incomplete records and a need to obtain further information from the Social Security Administration.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of VA compensation/pension benefits, finding that August 15, 2000 was the earliest submission by the veteran indicating his intent to seek entitlement to compensation or nonservice-connected pension benefits.

The Board has granted the veteran's initial service connection for PTSD and assigned a 50 percent rating, effective September 7, 1999. The veteran did not appeal this decision.

The Board found that the veteran does not currently have post-traumatic stress disorder and denied his claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD.

The veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating of 50 percent is warranted based on his symptoms.

The veteran's claims for an increased rating and TDIU are being remanded due to procedural defects in the VCAA notice.

The Board has granted a 100% evaluation for PTSD effective December 16, 2004. The claim for service connection for hypertension is remanded.

The Board denied service connection for Hepatitis C and PTSD, finding that the veteran's current conditions did not have their onset during or as a result of his military service.

The Board found that the veteran did not engage in combat and there was no objective evidence of an in-service stressor. The veteran's PTSD diagnosis is based on his own statements, which are not credible or sufficient to establish service connection. For hypertension, the claim was denied as new and material evidence had not been received.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD should be remanded due to conflicting medical opinions and a lack of recent examination. The case will be returned to the Board after further development.