PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2005

The Board denied all claims, finding that the PTSD is manifested by mild-to-moderate symptoms and not warranting a rating in excess of 30 percent. The CHF was not present in service or for many years afterward and is not etiologically related to service or to a service-connected disability. Sleep apnea and facial burns are not currently established as service connected.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for PTSD with dysthymia was granted, and she received a 50 percent rating. The case is now focused on the earlier effective date for the 70 percent rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is reasonably related to his service, and thus grants service connection for PTSD.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for PTSD and skin condition to the RO for further development.

The Board granted a 100% rating for PTSD effective March 11, 2000. The veteran's attorney requested an earlier effective date based on the January 1993 claim seeking service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current lung disorder, a mild restrictive ventilatory defect, can be considered to have been incurred or aggravated in active service and is granted service connection.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD and diabetes mellitus do not meet the threshold requirements for a TDIU on a schedular basis. However, his claim warrants referral to the Director of Compensation and Pension Service for consideration of an extraschedular rating due to marked interference with employment.

The veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for post-traumatic stress disorder was granted, but the RO is instructed to schedule a VA psychiatric examination and obtain additional medical records before readjudicating his claim.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD warrants a 70 percent rating since February 23, 2003, due to significant occupational and social impairment.

The veteran's claim for payment of compensation at the rate of $2,163 from June 9, 1994 to December 1, 2001 based on award of a TDIU is denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that there was no credible supporting evidence of a stressor in his service records or other sources. The veteran did not engage in combat with the enemy and has not provided specific details about any stressors.

The veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and a right shoulder condition were denied as there is no competent medical evidence to support these claims.,There are no current diagnoses of PTSD or a right shoulder condition in the record, and the available evidence does not show any treatment related to these conditions during service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the schedular requirements for assignment of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has granted service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder and degenerative joint disease of the thoracic spine, both effective from March 3, 1995. The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for PTSD is denied.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 30 percent, and his other service-connected conditions are not entitled to increased ratings. The veteran does not meet the criteria for a TDIU.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a disability manifested by PTSD due to disease or injury incurred in service, as his claimed stressors cannot be verified.

The veteran's current PTSD is not due to a disease or injury that was incurred in active service.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for additional development of evidence, including verifying alleged stressors and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board determined that the veteran does not have PTSD based on his claimed in-service stressors, and there is no evidence to verify these stressors. Therefore, service connection for PTSD was denied.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, effective June 25, 2001. The Board has determined that a higher evaluation of 70 percent is warranted for the veteran's PTSD.