PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2006

The Board found that the evidence submitted since the October 2001 rating decision is not new and material, thus denying the veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for PTSD.

The VA has determined that the veteran's PTSD does not warrant a higher rating based on current symptoms and evidence of disability.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability, residuals of head injury (including headaches), and an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD. The appeals were not about service connection at all.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities now reasonably render him unable to work, and the Board grants a TDIU based on these conditions.

The Board found that the veteran did not provide sufficient information to search for relevant records, and thus denied both claims of service connection for PTSD and a skin disorder (Chloracne). The veteran's service medical records were entirely negative for any psychiatric or dermatological issues. His current conditions are not linked to his military service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining his personnel records and SSA disability records. He must also be provided with proper VCAA notice regarding the rating and effective date aspects of his claim.

The veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for the assignment of a 70 percent rating for PTSD and individual unemployability due to service-connected disability have been denied as there was no claim or evidence showing he was unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation by reason of his service-connected disabilities prior to April 23, 2001.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for residuals of a left meningioma, post-traumatic stress disorder, hearing loss in her left ear, and gum infections. The Board found that there was no evidence to support these conditions were incurred or aggravated during active duty or active duty for training.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder was denied. The veteran also requested payment at a higher rate for past due benefits, which was denied as it did not align with the current law and regulations.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and for increased ratings for hypothyroidism, esophagitis, and hemorrhoids. The veteran is not currently diagnosed as having PTSD. His other conditions are rated based on their current severity.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims of service connection for cervical spine degenerative disc disease and arthritis, as well as PTSD. The evidence received since the May 1999 rating decision is not considered new and material to reopen these claims.

The Board has determined that the appeal is remanded due to insufficient VCAA notice and development, particularly regarding the character of discharge for benefits and service connection for PTSD, sinus disorder, and headache disorders.

The veteran's appeal includes claims for increased ratings for a scar and PTSD, as well as requests for earlier effective dates. The RO is directed to arrange for VA examinations, obtain additional medical records, and readjudicate the claims.

The veteran is seeking to reopen a claim of service connection for PTSD. The case must be remanded due to the need for compliance with applicable law and notification requirements.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to establish whether the veteran was exposed to a stressor in service and if so, what specific stressors occurred. The RO must also obtain all psychiatric treatment records from the Fresno VAMC and consider alternative sources of information to verify any claimed sexual assault.

The Board granted a 100 percent evaluation for PTSD effective March 24, 2005, and found that the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date was not warranted.

The veteran's appeal for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder has been dismissed due to his death.

The veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, the highest available rating for this condition.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for PTSD, finding that his condition did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has granted a 70 percent evaluation for post-traumatic stress disorder, the maximum schedular rating available under VA's rating criteria. The veteran is not entitled to an even higher evaluation as his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a 100 percent evaluation.