PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2006

The Board has granted an initial evaluation of 50 percent for PTSD, effective February 2, 1994. The veteran's PTSD is currently rated as 50 percent disabling.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a VA psychiatric examination and reviewing certain medical records to determine if the veteran's depression is related to service-connected low back condition or personal assaults in service. The decision on the merits will be made after this additional development.

The veteran's PTSD is granted as service-connected due to a verified in-service stressor. Service connection for diabetes mellitus and skin disability, both claimed as residuals of exposure to Agent Orange, are denied because the evidence does not show such conditions were incurred during or aggravated by service. The claim for hearing loss was previously denied but new and material evidence has been submitted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected PTSD is manifested by significant social isolation, irritability, and depression which results in considerable industrial impairment and difficulty maintaining relationships. The criteria for a 50 percent disability rating are met.

The Board found that the veteran's PTSD has been manifested by occupational and social impairment with no more than occasional decrease in work efficiency and periods of intermittent inability to perform occupational tasks, but generally functioning satisfactorily. The criteria for an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent have not been met.

The veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and hepatitis C are being remanded due to the need for additional records and investigations.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied as there was no evidence of a current disability, and the positive PPD test did not constitute a compensable condition.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and is now considering whether there is a current diagnosis of PTSD related to service.

The veteran's claims have been dismissed due to his death.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating of 30 percent for post-traumatic stress disorder, finding that his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board found no evidence to support the veteran's claim that his low back disorder is related to or aggravated by his service-connected left knee disorder. The issue of PTSD was remanded due to insufficient information.

The Board found that the veteran's alleged in-service stressors have not been verified by official records or any other supportive evidence, and thus denied his claim for service connection for PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including verification of claimed stressors and a psychiatric examination to determine if PTSD is service-connected.

The Board dismissed the veteran's appeal because he did not file a timely notice of disagreement within one year following the December 1998 rating decision, which awarded total rating for compensation based upon individual unemployability effective December 2, 1987.

The veteran's post-traumatic stress disorder is granted as a direct result of an in-service sexual assault. The injuries from the June [redacted], 1974, motor vehicle accident are not considered to have occurred during the line of duty due to alcohol abuse.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development due to incomplete evidence, particularly regarding the veteran's claimed stressors in service that may support his PTSD diagnosis.

The Board has ordered a VA examination to determine if the veteran has PTSD or other psychiatric disorders related to service, including as supported by his reported in-service stressor of a plane crash. The claim will be remanded for further development and consideration.

The Board has granted a 10 percent disability rating for the appellant's service-connected chronic diarrhea, effective from February 1, 2001. The claims for increased ratings for chronic tension headaches and post-traumatic stress disorder are remanded.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and a seizure disorder. The evidence did not support a current diagnosis of PTSD or establish that the veteran had a preexisting condition that was aggravated by military service.

The veteran's appeal for increased ratings for PTSD and right leg, right ankle, and right knee disabilities has been dismissed due to the appellant withdrawing his appeals.