PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2005

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound prior to August 30, 2002.

The veteran's PTSD with major depression was rated at 50 percent from May 17, 2001 to April 30, 2004 and denied for a higher rating. Since May 1, 2004, the claim remains pending as he is still seeking an increased rating.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD due to the lack of verified in-service stressors. The issue of service connection for a psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD, is being remanded.

The Board found that the veteran's personality disorder, without superimposed acquired psychiatric disability, is not a compensable disability. The preponderance of the evidence is against a finding of a chronic acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD.

The VA denied the appellant's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The current ratings for PTSD, diabetes mellitus, and right wrist fracture are 50%, 10%, and 10% respectively.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including seeking a report of the psychiatric consultation from December 1963 and scheduling the veteran for a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that there was insufficient evidence to establish a link between his current symptoms and in-service stressors.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD and diabetes mellitus disabilities are found to be so severe that they preclude him from securing or following any substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU rating.

The Board found that the veteran did not have combat duty and his alleged in-service stressor has not been corroborated by official records or any other supportive evidence, thus denying service connection for PTSD.

The Board has determined that an effective date earlier than February 14, 2002 for the grant of service connection for PTSD with depression is not warranted.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and residuals of a concussion. The effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD is set at November 29, 1999.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD, back disorder, and bilateral leg disorder due to lack of competent medical evidence showing current diagnoses.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD as there was no competent evidence showing he had PTSD.

The VA has granted service connection for PTSD and assigned a 30 percent evaluation, effective from August 28, 2001. The veteran's PTSD is currently manifested by psychiatric symptoms productive of moderately severe social and occupational impairment due to anxiety and chronic sleep impairment.

The veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70% since his discharge from service in 1972, and he is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to this disability. The Board finds that the veteran meets the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has granted a 50 percent rating for PTSD from January 31, 2003 to June 22, 2004 and a 70 percent rating since June 23, 2004.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations. The claims will be readjudicated after this process.

The Board has granted the veteran's claims to reopen her previously denied psychiatric disorder, bilateral foot disability, and PTSD claims.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD and a scar on his right thigh did not render him unemployable prior to May 29, 1998. The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence is against his claim.

The Board has determined that the appellant's claims for service connection for PTSD and compensable evaluations for his right knee disorder, residuals of a fracture of the right ankle, residuals of fractures of the little finger and index finger of the left hand are denied due to lack of credible supporting evidence for the claimed in-service stressors. The preponderance of the evidence does not support these claims.