PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2006

The veteran seeks an earlier effective date for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities, including PTSD. The Board grants the claim with an effective date of September 10, 2001.

The Board has decided the claim for tinnitus and is remanding the claims for bilateral hearing loss and PTSD to the RO for further development.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic bronchitis, and a low back disorder. The claim for service connection of a left knee disorder secondary to the service-connected residuals of left tibia and fibula fracture is pending.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and a noncompensable evaluation for the left foot burn scar. The veteran's eczema claim is addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD warrants a higher initial rating of 70 percent, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The VA determined that the veteran's PTSD does not warrant a rating higher than 50 percent, as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a 70 percent evaluation.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD warrants a 70 percent disability rating, effective from September 16, 2002.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for numbness and tingling of the hands and feet, but denied it on the merits. The claim for PTSD was also reopened, but denied on the merits.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the veteran's claimed stressors and a need for further investigation by the U.S. Army and Joint Services Record Research Center (JSRRC).

The Board found that the veteran's claimed in-service stressors, including an explosion and a mistaken notification of family death, have not been verified. As such, service connection for PTSD cannot be established.

The Board has decided the case needs further investigation and evidence collection to determine if the veteran's PTSD is service-connected.

The Board has ordered the case back to the RO for additional development, including obtaining relevant SSA records and scheduling a hearing. The appellant's claim for service connection for PTSD is pending.

The veteran is permanently and totally disabled due to service-connected disabilities, including right side weakness requiring the use of a wheelchair, cane, or walker for locomotion. The Board finds that he meets the criteria for a certificate of eligibility for assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing.

The veteran's PTSD results in social impairment due to symptoms such as depressed mood and sleep impairment, but does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD warrants a 50 percent disability rating, effective February 26, 2002.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining a current VA examination and providing proper VCAA notice.

The Board found that the veteran's notice of disagreement was not timely filed, and therefore denied the appeal as to the issue of timeliness.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have PTSD, residuals of a right ankle sprain, left ankle disability, or bilateral osteoarthritis of the knees that are related to military service.

The veteran's claims for PTSD and an increased rating for diabetes mellitus are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining verification of stressors for PTSD and copies of medical records for diabetes mellitus.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD warrants a disability rating of 70 percent, but not more, based on significant occupational and social impairment.