PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2005

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have PTSD and is therefore not entitled to service connection for this condition. The claim for multiple joint pain will be remanded for further development.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of cold injury to both ears, PTSD, and hypertension. The evidence did not support a current disability in any of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current diagnosis of PTSD is linked to in-service stressors, and there is credible supporting evidence for these stressors. As such, service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Board denied an evaluation in excess of 30 percent for the veteran's service-connected PTSD, finding that his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 9411. The decision also noted that new and material evidence had been submitted to reopen the claim for bilateral hearing loss but did not address its merits.

The veteran's PTSD has been rated at 100 percent effective April 25, 2003. The RO must issue a statement of the case addressing his claims for service connection for hypertension, COPD, asbestosis, and peptic ulcer disease.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 20 percent, and his PTSD remains at a 30 percent rating. The initial ratings for both conditions have been granted.

The veteran's PTSD has been granted service connection and assigned a noncompensable initial rating. The Board found that the veteran's symptomatology more nearly approximates the criteria for an initial 10 percent evaluation.

The veteran's PTSD is productive of definite social and industrial impairment, resulting in occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for financial assistance in the purchase of an automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment, as his conditions do not include loss or permanent loss of use of one or both feet, hands, or vision, nor does he have ankylosis of the knees or hips.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD. The case is now remanded for further review.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including backaches, migraine headaches, dysthymia, and PTSD. The appeals were based on a lack of evidence linking these conditions to her military service.

The Board has granted a 50 percent disability rating for the veteran's service-connected PTSD, effective from September 1999. The veteran previously had a 30 percent evaluation.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, back disorder, headaches (sinus), and sleep disorder. The veteran's PTSD was granted with a 30% evaluation.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD and gunshot wound to his left shoulder do not warrant higher ratings based on the current evidence of record.

The Board denied the veteran's request for an earlier effective date of February 29, 1996, for a 100 percent rating for PTSD. The claim was based on VA records showing that the veteran had been hospitalized and treated for PTSD since at least 1989.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that there is no current diagnosis of PTSD in his medical records.

The veteran's PTSD was rated at 70 percent effective December 15, 2003.,A TDIU rating was granted effective June 26, 2002.

The Board has determined that the veteran did not incur a disease or injury involving the left shoulder in service and therefore denied his claim for service connection for a left shoulder disability.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities result in a need for regular aid and attendance of another person, warranting special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The veteran's service-connected schizophrenic reaction with PTSD is currently manifested by depression, episodes of elevated anxiety, recurring nightmares and disturbed sleep, memory flashbacks, and social withdrawal. This results in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity due to flattened affect, anxiety attacks, memory impairment, disturbances of motivation and mood, and difficulty in establishing and maintaining effective work and social relationships.