PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2005

The Board has granted a 70 percent evaluation for the veteran's PTSD, which is the highest available rating under VA regulations.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed, including verification of the veteran's claimed stressors and an opinion regarding whether his pre-existing bipolar disorder was aggravated by service. The case will be remanded for these actions.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that there is no independent supporting clinical evidence from a physician or other medical professional to corroborate the alleged stressors. The veteran was not found to have engaged in combat with the enemy and his allegations of exposure to sniper fire, witnessing the death of an enemy, and seeing a U.S. soldier shoot himself in the leg were deemed too anecdotal to be verified.

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

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is service-connected due to his participation in combat during service, and the symptoms are consistent with his reported experiences.

The veteran's residuals of tonsillectomy are rated at a 10 percent evaluation. The initial evaluation for PTSD prior to January 6, 2005 is granted at 30 percent and increased to 70 percent from that date.

The veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need to verify his in-service stressors and conduct a VA psychiatric examination.

The veteran seeks service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The case is being remanded to obtain additional information and conduct further examination.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the veteran does not suffer from PTSD related to an in-service stressor and therefore, service connection for PTSD is denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his current mental health conditions and his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD should be remanded to allow for further development, including verification of in-service stressors and a VA psychiatric examination.

The veteran's appeals for increased ratings for PTSD and restoration of varicose vein ratings have been dismissed due to the withdrawal of his appeal.

The veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 30 percent for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and records.

The VA denied the veteran's claims for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder, bilateral defective hearing, and post-traumatic headaches. The Board found that there was no evidence to support these conditions related to his military service.

The veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence, specifically records from a psychologist who treated him.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD, boils and a rash (claimed as secondary to herbicide exposure), and erectile dysfunction (claimed as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus).,There is no current diagnosis of PTSD. The veteran's claimed boils and rash were not related to his military service or herbicide exposure.

The Board found that the veteran's skin disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and denied his claim. The issue of PTSD is addressed in a separate REMAND portion.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 30 percent, effective as of the date of the decision. The TDIU claim was granted.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further investigation and examination to determine the validity of his claims for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus.

The veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and TDIU are being remanded to obtain additional medical records and conduct a new examination.