PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2006

The veteran's claim is being remanded due to the need to obtain SSA records and provide corrective VCAA notice.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for schizophrenia and an initial higher rating for PTSD, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his period of active service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected PTSD warrants a rating of 100 percent, effective from July 28, 1997.

The veteran's disability picture from 1998 through 2005 more nearly approximates a disability rating of 50 percent until September 2002, at which time a rating of 70 percent became appropriate.

The Board has determined that the January 27, 1986, VA outpatient treatment record is the date of claim for an increase in post-traumatic stress disorder. The veteran was hospitalized from January 28, 1986 to March 13, 1986 and granted a temporary total evaluation. As he has been in receipt of a 100 percent evaluation since January 28, 1986, the effective date is set at that time.

The case is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining private medical records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination. The focus will be on determining whether the veteran's current psychiatric disorder(s), to include PTSD, are related to service.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD and asbestosis, as well as a TDIU claim were denied by the Board. The initial rating for PTSD remains at 10 percent, while the asbestosis rating was changed from noncompensable to 30 percent effective April 26, 2005.

The veteran's PTSD is found to be incurred in service due to a personal assault. The heart disability and hypertension are linked to the veteran's PTSD, meeting the criteria for secondary service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and review, including notification of new and material evidence requirements, obtaining Social Security Administration records, verifying a witness name, and readjudicating the claims based on de novo review.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied as his claimed conditions are not shown to have been present in or aggravated by active military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD, right knee disability, left wrist injury residuals, or memory loss secondary to head trauma related to his period of service. The evidence is insufficient to establish these conditions as being incurred in service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for PTSD, chronic rotator cuff impingement and tendonitis, chronic rotator cuff tear, and post-traumatic degenerative joint disease of the left shoulder, as well as dermatophytosis with tinea pedis and tinea manus.

The veteran's PTSD was granted service connection as it is linked to his combat-related stressors. The lower back disability claim will be remanded for additional development.

The Board found that the veteran does not currently have PTSD and his current psychiatric disorder is not causally related to his period of active duty. Therefore, service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is not warranted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD should be remanded due to inadequate notice and a need for further development, including verification of stressor events.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current left arm disability and therefore, service connection for residuals of a left arm wound is denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development due to missing VA medical records and to provide proper notice under the VCAA.

The Board has determined that the appellant did not engage in combat with the enemy and there are no verified stressors related to service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for PTSD is denied.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, that the veteran may have. The case will be returned for adjudication.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD did not cause or contribute to his death, and therefore burial benefits based on service-connected death are denied.