PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2006

The veteran's claim for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder is being remanded due to the need for a VA psychiatric examination.

The veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, but the Board has determined that a higher rating of 50 percent is warranted based on his symptoms and impairment.

The veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA examination and proper VCAA notice.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a new examination and clarification of his wishes regarding representation and hearing.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a diagnosed psychiatric disability, including PTSD, incurred during his active service. The claim for service connection is denied.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and development of her claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, gastrointestinal disorder, joint pain (osteoarthritis), and mood swings. The appeals were not about service connection at all.

The Board found that there is no adequately documented stressor to support a diagnosis of PTSD, and thus denied the veteran's claim for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, PCT, a liver disorder, and peripheral neuropathy due to exposure to Agent Orange. The Board found that there was no evidence of current diagnoses or competent medical opinions linking these conditions to service.

The veteran's claim for an effective date prior to January 26, 1983, for the grant of service connection for PTSD was denied as there is no evidence of a claim being filed before that date.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for a PTSD evaluation and service connection for hypertension. The claim for hypertension was denied as there is no evidence linking it to service or a service-connected disability.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the veteran's previously denied claim of service connection for PTSD. The issue regarding residuals of exposure to a fuel spill was also denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to service connection for PTSD and diabetes mellitus, type II, claimed as due to exposure to Agent Orange. The RO is instructed to take all necessary actions to locate and rebuild the original claims folder, provide proper VCAA notice, and then review the claims in light of the evidence of record.

The Board found that the veteran did not engage in combat and thus, his lay statements alone are insufficient to establish the occurrence of an alleged stressor. The VA was unable to verify his claimed in-service stressful events due to lack of information provided by the veteran.

The Board has determined that the veteran's post-traumatic stress disorder is related to service and granted his claim for this condition. The joint pain due to an undiagnosed illness was not shown in service or within one year thereafter, nor is it presumed to have been incurred in service.

The Board found no evidence of PTSD meeting the diagnostic criteria and thus denied the veteran's claim for service connection.

The case is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a hearing before the RO's Decision Review Officer and obtaining records from the VAMC in Atlanta. The veteran should also provide details of his in-service stressors and undergo a psychiatric examination if necessary.

The Board has granted a 100 percent initial disability rating for the veteran's service-connected PTSD, finding that it results in total occupational and social impairment.

The VA denied the appellant's claims for increased ratings for PTSD and service connection for a left knee disorder, but granted an initial evaluation of 30 percent for PTSD effective from October 20, 1998. The VA also granted a 70 percent evaluation for PTSD beginning November 27, 2001.

The Board found no evidence of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, that is service-connected. The veteran's claims for a chronic cervical disorder were not addressed as they are no longer part of the current appeal.