PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2006

The veteran's service-connected PTSD is manifested by intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, and nightmares associated with combat-related traumatic events during service as well as current events. This results in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent prior to May 12, 2004 and increased to 70 percent since that date. The decision is mixed as some issues were granted while others were denied.

The veteran's PTSD was initially rated at 10 percent from January 15, 1998 to March 26, 2000 and then increased to 30 percent beginning March 27, 2000. The Board found that the disability did not warrant a higher rating during either period.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that his claimed in-service stressors were not corroborated by evidence and thus did not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and there is no evidence linking any acquired psychiatric disability to his service. As such, the claim for service connection is denied.

The veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent since July 1, 2005. The RO granted a higher rating based on new evidence obtained in July 2005.

The Board found that the veteran did not have combat duty and there was no verified in-service stressor. Therefore, service connection for PTSD is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have PTSD as a result of service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left hip disability, including trochanteric bursitis and degenerative changes, is secondary to his service-connected left knee disability.,Regarding PTSD, the evidence does not support a finding of in-service stressors as the veteran did not engage in combat with the enemy.

The case is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and medical examinations to assess the veteran's hearing loss, PTSD, left foot disability, scar, and left hip/leg pain.

The Board found that the veteran's right knee disability was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and denied his claim. The issue of PTSD is being remanded for further development.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the eligibility requirements for a certificate of eligibility for specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant.

The veteran's PTSD is manifested by symptoms such as sleep disturbance, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, nightmares, irritability, concentration deficit, and suicidal ideation. The VA has determined that the disability warrants a 70 percent evaluation.

The Board found no credible supporting evidence of an in-service stressor and thus denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD.

The veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and a chronic knee disability. However, the claims are being REMANDED as they need further review on their merits.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD, finding that the earliest possible effective date had already been granted on November 10, 2003. The decision also noted that the veteran did not meet all eligibility criteria for a liberalizing law or VA issue related to PTSD diagnosis prior to April 1980.

The Board finds that the veteran's PTSD is incurred in service and grants the claim for service connection.

The Board has reopened the claim for PTSD due to new evidence, but service connection cannot be established as there is no verified in-service stressor.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining treatment records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination to determine if the veteran meets the DSM-IV criteria for PTSD related to his Vietnam service.