PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2006

The Board has granted an increased evaluation of 50 percent for the veteran's PTSD, which is currently rated at 30 percent. The evidence shows that the veteran's PTSD manifests with symptoms such as blunted affect, disturbances in motivation and mood, unprovoked irritability, difficulty establishing work relationships, and occasional periods of violence.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination and consideration of the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that there was no confirmed diagnosis of PTSD and noting a schizoid personality disorder instead. The stressor related to handling dead bodies during service was not corroborated by evidence.

The Board has denied service connection for PTSD and GERD, finding that the veteran's best diagnosis is a generalized anxiety disorder with depression. The veteran's current conditions are not related to his active service or any incident therein.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current PTSD is of service origin and grants service connection for PTSD.

The veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, CAD, and onychomycosis and tinea pedis was granted with an initial disability rating of 30 percent effective August 9, 2004. The effective date for the grant of secondary service connection for onychomycosis and tinea pedis is March 30, 2001.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, the maximum schedular rating available. The Board has granted this increased rating.

The veteran's claim for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder is being remanded due to the need to verify a claimed in-service stressor involving sniper fire. The case will be returned to the Board after verification attempts.

The veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he requested withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has granted an effective date of April 29, 1999 for the award of a 70 percent rating for PTSD.

The veteran's claims for PTSD, low back disability, and right leg disability were denied as the evidence did not support a finding of service connection.

The veteran withdrew his claim for service connection for PTSD before the Board could make a decision.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is causally related to his period of active service and grants the claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that further development is required for the veteran's claims, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations to assess his service-connected disabilities. The case will be remanded for these actions.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including anxiety disorder or PTSD, is being remanded due to the submission of new evidence that suggests an in-service stressor.

The veteran's PTSD has been manifested by occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent disability rating since November 27, 2002.

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

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for further action, including scheduling a Travel Board hearing. The claims will be returned to the Board once this is done.

The veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his service-connected PTSD is being remanded due to the need for more recent objective clinical findings and a GAF score, as well as clarification of whether other diagnosed conditions are dissociated from or part of the PTSD.

The Board has restored the veteran's 70% disability rating for service-connected PTSD.