PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2006

The VA denied the claim of service connection for PTSD due to lack of verified stressor event and failure to meet all criteria for service connection.

The Board has remanded the claims for a higher rating for diabetes mellitus, service connection for right ear hearing loss, and special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to incomplete medical records and the need for additional examinations.

The Board has restored the veteran's 70 percent disability rating for PTSD, effective from December 1, 2003. The appeals for higher ratings and TDIU are denied.

The Board granted service connection for PTSD and increased the initial rating for distal nerve damage of the right hand to 30 percent effective August 17, 2004. The veteran's appeal regarding other issues is pending.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for PTSD, finding that his condition did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The veteran's PTSD was initially rated at 30 percent prior to April 21, 2004. Effective from April 21, 2004, the rating for PTSD was increased to 70 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that he does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD is manifested by a total occupational and social impairment, warranting an increased rating to 100 percent.

The veteran seeks an earlier effective date for a 70 percent rating for PTSD. The Board has determined that additional records are needed to properly adjudicate the claim.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain necessary evidence and ensure compliance with the VCAA. The claim will be reconsidered after all actions are completed.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating of PTSD and remanded his skin condition service connection claim due to need for further development.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination and obtaining additional medical records. The veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, tinnitus, and undiagnosed illness resulting from Gulf War service are being reviewed.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD is manifested by feelings of withdrawal and refusal of social involvement, restricted affect, exaggerated startle response, anxiety, hyper-alertness, interference with concentration, intrusive memories and nightmares, flashbacks, sleep disturbance, loss of interest in activities, avoidance of reminders and distress at reminders. The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD warrants a 50 percent disability rating.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including VA examinations and a review of medical records.

The veteran's PTSD is currently evaluated at 30 percent, and the Board found that his symptoms have worsened since his last examination. The current level of disability does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need to verify his in-service stressors and conduct a VA psychiatric examination.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, the highest initial rating available. Service connection for a back disorder and residuals of an injury to the left pectoralis are granted, while service connection for arthritis remains pending.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that there was no verified in-service stressor and thus no basis to grant the claim.

The Board has determined that the veteran engaged in combat and his statements about stressors are consistent with the circumstances of his service. The evidence shows a current diagnosis of PTSD related to his military service, thus granting service connection for PTSD.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, Buerger's disease, and arthritis. The decision found that there was no evidence to support these claims.