PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2005

The veteran's claim for a higher evaluation of his service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is being remanded due to the submission of new evidence. The RO will review this evidence and issue a supplemental statement of the case.

The Board found that the veteran's symptoms did not meet the clinical criteria for PTSD and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have a current diagnosis of asthma, PTSD, or schizophrenia that was incurred in service. The evidence does not support a finding that any of these conditions were aggravated by service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for myopia, left arm twitching, gingivitis and stomatitis (claimed as bleeding gums), a psychiatric disability including PTSD, depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder with mood swings, sleep disturbance, memory loss, night sweats, and concentration problems, sexual dysfunction, and staph and strep infections. The Board found that these conditions were not incurred in service and may not be presumed to have been so incurred.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus is rated at 40 percent, and he meets the criteria for a TDIU based on his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have PTSD or a skin condition related to service and therefore denied both claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD due to a lack of credible supporting evidence for his claimed in-service stressors, and because he did not engage in combat with the enemy.

The Board granted service connection for Parkinson's disease, PTSD, diabetic neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities, hypertension, and IBS. The initial evaluations were assigned based on the severity of each condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a dental condition and PTSD due to insufficient evidence of in-service injury or disease, as well as lack of credible supporting evidence for claimed stressors.

The veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depression, dysthymia, anxiety and/or PTSD, is found to have been incurred in or aggravated by active military service.

The Board found that the veteran does not have post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of active military service and denied his claim. The issue of entitlement to service connection for a skin condition is remanded due to procedural defects.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine if the veteran's PTSD is service-connected.

The veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity prior to February 17, 2004.,From February 17, 2004, the veteran's PTSD has been productive of disability compatible with no more than occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board found that the appellant's son, EC, was not permanently incapable of self-support prior to his eighteenth birthday and thus could not be recognized as a helpless child.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, and his bilateral high frequency hearing loss is rated at 30 percent. The effective date for the total evaluation based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities has been set as September 6, 2002.,PTSD was granted with a 70 percent initial evaluation, while hearing loss received a 30 percent initial evaluation.

The Board found that the veteran did not engage in combat with the enemy during service and there is no evidence of a stressful incident. The VA has not been able to establish a link between his current psychiatric disorders and his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder with PTSD traits or alternatively PTSD, requires additional development of evidence. Specifically, the RO must obtain medical records from his service and any other relevant sources, clarify diagnoses, and determine if stressors occurred during service.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and TDIU, both effective from May 21, 2002. The veteran's claim was reopened on May 21, 2002, which is the earliest date allowable under VA regulations.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently evaluated at a 30 percent rating, effective from October 2003. The RO has granted an increased evaluation to reflect the severity of his symptoms.

The Board found that the veteran's skin disorder is not due to service or Agent Orange exposure, and denied his claim for service connection.