PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2006

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD is dismissed because the effective date was established in February 1998, which is the day following his separation from active duty.

The Board has determined that the veteran did not serve in combat and there is no credible supporting evidence of an in-service stressor to support a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder. As such, service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder is denied.

The VA determined that the veteran's PTSD symptoms, while present and significant, do not warrant an evaluation higher than 50 percent.

The Board found that the veteran does not have post-traumatic stress disorder based on verified in-service stressors and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary emphysema, and sleep apnea due to asbestos exposure. The evidence did not support a finding of direct service connection for these conditions.

The Board found that the veteran's PTSD and MS were incurred in service, with the stressors verified and medical evidence linking these conditions to service. The decision granted both claims.

The Board is remanding the case to the RO for further development of evidence, including obtaining SSA disability benefits records and ensuring compliance with VCAA notification requirements.

The VA has granted an initial 50% rating for PTSD, but the veteran is seeking a higher rating. The current symptoms of PTSD include disturbances of motivation and mood, difficulty in maintaining social relationships, and partial impairment of judgment.

The veteran's TDIU was granted effective from January 28, 2002. The Board found that the evidence did not support an earlier effective date due to lack of unemployment or unemployability prior to this date.

The veteran's alcohol dependence is not shown to be related to her service-connected PTSD. The Board finds that the veteran's alcoholism is not the proximate result of any service-connected disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD and hepatitis C do not warrant higher disability ratings based on the evidence of record.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an effective date prior to December 19, 1995 for a 70 percent rating for PTSD and TDIU by reason of service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in verifying the veteran's claimed stressors and the need for further examination.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including PTSD, bilateral wrist and hip disabilities, hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo with dizziness and nausea, and severe headaches. The evidence does not support a current diagnosis or finding of these conditions.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 20% and PTSD at 50%. The Board has determined that a higher rating of 40% for both conditions is warranted.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the grant of a 100 percent rating for PTSD, finding that it was not factually ascertainable prior to October 30, 2003 that the veteran's PTSD warranted such a rating.

The VA has granted an initial rating of 70 percent for PTSD, effective March 1, 2004. The veteran's symptoms have been severe enough to warrant this higher rating since that date.

The Board has granted an effective date of August 11, 1999 for the grant of service connection for PTSD and a rating of 50 percent for PTSD. The veteran's claim is pending on appeal regarding his initial rating.

The veteran's claims for asthma, PTSD, and depression are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for VCAA notification and additional development of evidence.