PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2005

The veteran's service-connected PTSD was increased to a 30% rating effective September 25, 1995. Service connection for low back disorder and hypertension were also established.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the grant of a TDIU, finding that it was not factually ascertainable that a TDIU was warranted within one year prior to January 22, 2001.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD secondary to sexual assault and an increased disability rating for bilateral hearing loss. The decision found that there was no credible evidence supporting the occurrence of the claimed stressors, leading to a denial.

The veteran's PTSD results in significant occupational impairment and severe social impairment, meeting the criteria for a 70 percent evaluation.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD. The evidence submitted is new and material as it relates to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim - whether appellant's current nervous condition was incurred in or aggravated by military service.

The veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and increased ratings for psychogenic gastrointestinal reaction with deformed duodenal bulb from chronic peptic ulcer disease, currently rated as 30 percent disabling, and intestinal ancylostomiasis were denied. The Board found no evidence of a diagnosis of PTSD and that the veteran did not meet the diagnostic requirements for PTSD.

The veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied.,His claim for an increased rating for service-connected allergic rhinitis with sinusitis was granted, but the effective date is not specified.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent effective January 2, 2004. The claim for hepatitis C remains pending.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD, finding that the veteran's original claim was received on September 29, 1999.

The Board has granted service connection for an anxiety disorder, including PTSD, finding that the veteran's current symptoms are linked to his in-service stressors and treatment.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not meet the criteria for aid and attendance benefits due to his service-connected conditions, as there is no evidence of actual need for regular aid and attendance from another person.

The VA has determined that the veteran's PTSD warrants a 50 percent evaluation, effective January 17, 2001.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD and a heart disability, finding that these conditions are not proximately due to or the result of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied both the issue of entitlement to an effective date prior to February 20, 1998, for the grant of service connection for PTSD and the issue of whether there was clear and unmistakable error in a November 4, 1986 rating decision that denied service connection for PTSD.

The veteran has been granted service connection for chronic fatigue disorder and gastrointestinal disorder, both of which are presumed to be due to undiagnosed illness related to military service in the Persian Gulf. Service connection for PTSD remains denied.

The VA has granted a 70 percent rating for PTSD effective from September 9, 2002, due to total occupational and social impairment.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD disability is productive of issues with depression, increased startle response, impaired impulse control with unprovoked irritability, difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances (including work or a worklike situation), and an inability to establish and maintain effective relationships. For the time period from May 3, 2001 to present, his PTSD disability warrants a 70 percent disability rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is service-connected based on verified combat stressors experienced in Korea.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and increased ratings for the veteran's lumbosacral strain and cervical whiplash injury.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, finding no current diagnosis of PTSD or credible supporting evidence of in-service stressors.