PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2006

The VA denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Pulmonary Disability, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the severity of these conditions.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence sufficient to reopen a previously denied claim of service connection for PTSD has been received. The veteran's claim is therefore reopened.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for further evaluation and consideration of his symptoms.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is a result of in-service stressors and grants service connection for PTSD.

The VA has determined that the veteran's PTSD warrants a 50 percent initial rating, reflecting significant impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Board found that the veteran did not engage in combat with the enemy and his PTSD was not related to a verified in-service stressor. The claim for service connection for L4-5 discectomy, mild annular bulging at L2-3 and L3-4 with mild spinal stenosis and partial foraminal encroachment is denied.

The VA has granted service connection for PTSD and assigned a 70 percent rating effective from May 10, 2002. The veteran's PTSD is currently rated as moderate in severity.

The Board determined that an effective date prior to September 18, 2003 for the service-connected PTSD is not warranted.

The Board found that depression/dysthymia was not incurred in or aggravated by service and denied the claim. The PTSD issue is addressed separately.

The Board is considering whether new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD. The decision will determine if the evidence supports reopening the claim.

The VA determined that the veteran's PTSD does not warrant a rating higher than 30 percent, based on his symptoms and functioning.

The Board denied all claims, including the initial rating for PTSD and the initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss. Service connection was also denied for asthma, DDD/DJD of the lumbar spine, and steatocystoma multiplex.

The veteran's PTSD is not manifested by symptoms that are productive of occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, thus the schedular criteria for a higher rating have not been met.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD does not warrant a rating in excess of 50 percent, and his hearing loss is currently rated as non-compensable.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA psychiatric examination to determine if the veteran meets the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD based on his service and reported stressors.

The Board has granted an initial disability rating of 50 percent for PTSD, finding that the veteran's symptoms more closely approximate the criteria for a 50 percent rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have PTSD and therefore, service connection for PTSD is denied.

The Board granted a 50 percent evaluation for PTSD from March 11, 2006. The other issues were either denied or not addressed in the decision.

The veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and schizophrenia are being remanded due to the failure of VA to follow instructions in a previous remand order.

The veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for corrective VCAA notice and additional development of his medical records, including verification of stressors.