PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2005

The VA determined that the veteran does not have PTSD or Depression related to service and denied both claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD, finding that his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation. The issue of reopening the claim for service connection for asthma and reactive airway disease was also denied.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the claim for service connection for PTSD. The claim will now be reviewed on its merits, but it is concluded that the veteran did not engage in combat with the enemy during his active duty and therefore cannot establish a stressor related to his claimed PTSD.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for PTSD, a right ankle disability, or a left foot and toes disability due to lack of credible supporting evidence for claimed stressors and current diagnoses.

The veteran's claims for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder and exposure to herbicides are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining information about in-service stressors and a VA examination.

The veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and an increased rating for diabetes mellitus, type II are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his case.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied for alcoholism and stomach disability due to preclusion by law. The right hip fusion claim was denied as there was no evidence of injury in service or current disability. The scars from a munitions explosion were also denied. However, the veteran's PTSD was granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is related to his service, specifically his time in combat during Vietnam. As such, the claim for service connection for PTSD is granted.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD was denied as the law does not allow for an effective date earlier than the date of receipt by VA, which was September 5, 2002.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, finding that there was no current existence of these conditions and that they were not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, which is now granted. The veteran was exposed to stressors during his service in Vietnam.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to procedural and developmental matters, including clarification of representation, obtaining medical records, and issuance of a supplemental statement of the case for his claim of entitlement to service connection for coronary artery disease.

The veteran's post-traumatic stress disorder has been shown to cause occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent disability rating.

The Board found no credible evidence of a stressor event in service and concluded that the veteran's PTSD is not related to his military service.

The VA determined that the veteran's PTSD does not warrant a rating higher than 10 percent, as his symptoms do not significantly impair his occupational and social functioning.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence submitted by the veteran and a need for further consideration of his claim.

The Board granted service connection for PTSD and assigned an initial evaluation of 70 percent. The veteran appealed for a higher initial rating, which the Board denied. Service connection was also granted for diabetes mellitus with an effective date prior to October 31, 2001, but not for hypertension or melioidosis.

The VA denied an initial evaluation in excess of 70 percent for PTSD, finding that the veteran's symptoms do not meet the criteria for a 100 percent disability rating due to total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has determined that the appellant's post-traumatic stress disorder is related to his military service, and thus grants service connection for PTSD.

The Board found that the veteran's PTSD was not factually ascertainable as 50 percent disabling prior to July 30, 1997, and thus denied a retroactive effective date for his increased evaluation.