PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2006

The veteran's PTSD is currently manifested by nightmares, intrusive thoughts, anxiety, and depression. The symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, effective from November 1999. The claim for service connection of neurological disorder and residuals of a head wound was denied as new and material evidence has not been submitted.

The veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for his PTSD is being remanded due to procedural issues and the need for further development, including another VA mental status examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD, hypertension, and gastroenteritis. The claim to reopen a low back disorder was also denied.

The veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disability was granted. However, his claims for higher initial evaluations of his right eye condition and chronic headaches were denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and verifying stressors. The veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD and a skin condition on the legs are pending.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a neurological disorder, back disorder, urinary tract disorder, eye disorder, prostate disorder, vertigo, PTSD, dysthymic disorder, and headaches. The denial is based on the presumption of service connection for certain diseases associated with exposure to herbicide agents used in Vietnam.

The Board has determined that the veteran's in-service stressors are verified and he currently has PTSD as a result of these stressors. The claim for service connection for residuals of pneumonia, right knee disability, back disability, and ulcers (secondary to PTSD) is granted.

The Board has decided to remand the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and hypertension secondary to PTSD due to incomplete development of evidence. The veteran will be provided additional notice letters, a VA psychiatric examination, and a VA cardiology examination as needed.

The service-connected PTSD is found to have contributed significantly in producing the veteran's death. The appellant's claim for DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 is dismissed as moot due to the grant of service connection for cause of death.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder, right ankle disability, residuals of a head injury, bilateral shoulder disability, neck disability, and astigmatism in the April 2002 rating decision. The appeal was not timely filed.

The Board has granted a TDIU rating and assigned an effective date of March 21, 2003 for the veteran's service-connected PTSD.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently evaluated as 50 percent disabling, effective from the date of claim on November 4, 2004.

The veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death.

The veteran withdrew her appeal for service connection for obsessive-compulsive personality trait and elevated cholesterol at a hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The veteran's PTSD is productive of total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100% rating since July 31, 2000.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, acne vulgaris, sebaceous cyst, and follicular infundibular cyst due to exposure to herbicide agents. The Board found that there was no independent evidence confirming any stressors or exposures during service.

The veteran does not have PTSD that is the result of disease or injury incurred in or aggravated by active military service.

The VA determined that the veteran did not have a verified stressor from service and therefore, PTSD was not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD, finding that entitlement to compensation for PTSD arose in February 6, 1999 when new and material evidence supported a diagnosis of PTSD related to corroborated stressors.