PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2006

The veteran's claim for a higher evaluation of PTSD from November 8, 1994 is being remanded due to the submission of additional medical evidence and the need to obtain relevant treatment records.

The veteran's claims for higher initial ratings of PTSD, increased ratings for SFW scars on various body parts, and service connection for heart disease secondary to PTSD have been denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a VA psychiatric examination and compliance with VCAA notice requirements.

The Board denied service connection for hepatitis C and headaches, finding that the veteran's current conditions were not related to his active military service.

The VA determined that there is no evidence of an in-service stressor and the veteran does not have a current PTSD disability, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a psychiatric examination to assess the severity of his PTSD and a general medical examination to reassess his nonservice-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and Bipolar Disorder, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability or in-service incurrence or aggravation.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current disability of defective hearing, tinnitus, or PTSD related to service. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service stressors sufficient to meet the criteria for diagnosing PTSD.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD warrants a 50 percent disability rating, effective from October 10, 2003.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for PTSD, but additional development is necessary regarding the underlying service connection claim.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for psychiatric disorders (other than PTSD), low back and cervical spine conditions, and headaches. The evidence does not support a finding of current disabilities or a nexus to service.

The veteran was granted a 10 percent rating for PTSD from December 27, 1999 to May 19, 2003.,A 70 percent rating was granted for the period from May 20, 2003 to September 29, 2004. The veteran's TDIU claim is moot due to his maximum disability rating.

The veteran's PTSD is currently manifested by irritability, angry outbursts, a restricted range of affect, problems with concentration, hypervigilance, an exaggerated startle response, flashbacks and nightmares. The symptoms prevent him from working but do not reach the level for a 100% rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, malaria, and a shell fragment wound scar of the right scalp region. The veteran was not granted any increased ratings.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and found that the veteran's current disability is related to his in-service injury. The increased rating claims for left leg and left eye disabilities were denied as there was no evidence of a verified stressor for PTSD, and the criteria for an increased rating were not met.

The Board has granted service connection for a scar on the right middle shin and an increased initial evaluation for PTSD.

The veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD has been dismissed due to the death of the veteran during the pendency of the appeal.

The veteran's PTSD has been manifested by symptoms resulting in total occupational impairment since the effective date of the grant of service connection, and a 100 percent disability rating is granted.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to ensure proper notice and assistance in the reopening of claims for service connection for PTSD, hepatitis, and a back disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding a claimed friendly fire incident in Vietnam that may have caused PTSD.