PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2006

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a VA mental disorders examination and verifying any claimed in-service stressors. The veteran is to be provided with adequate notice of the date and place of any requested examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss are all service-connected. The initial noncompensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is granted.

The Board has granted a 50 percent disability rating for the veteran's service-connected PTSD, effective from the date of the decision. The claim for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was denied.

The veteran's PTSD claim was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability and the stressors are not verified. The bilateral ankle disability claim was also denied due to lack of verification of claimed stressors.

From November 8, 1999 to August 18, 2004, the veteran's PTSD symptoms warranted a 50 percent evaluation.,Since August 19, 2004, his PTSD has not resulted in total occupational and social impairment.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities are of such severity as to preclude all forms of gainful employment, and the Board grants TDIU.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and diabetes mellitus, type II. The veteran did not have a verified in-service stressor or exposure to herbicides during his service in Korea. His diabetes was not shown to be related to service.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and tinnitus, have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance. He is also entitled to special monthly compensation based on his housebound status.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is related to a stressful event in service and grants the claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including providing a proper notice letter and requesting additional evidence to determine if the veteran was assaulted during active service.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of PTSD was denied by the Board as his failure to report for VA examinations resulted in a denial of the claim.

The veteran's appeal for a higher initial rating for PTSD has been withdrawn due to the grant of an increased rating and TDIU.

The veteran's PTSD was found to be productive of occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency prior to December 15, 2003. From December 15, 2003, the disability has been productive of reduced reliability and productivity.

The veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent disabling, effective September 26, 2003. The VA has granted the claim for a higher rating.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further evaluation and potential rescheduling of examinations to assess his PTSD and hearing loss.

The VA has determined that the veteran's PTSD does not meet or exceed the criteria for a higher evaluation, as it only causes mild impairment in occupational and social functioning.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and service connection for hepatitis, finding that his symptoms did not warrant a higher rating or that they were not related to service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that there was no verified in-service stressor and thus insufficient evidence to establish a link between his current PTSD diagnosis and his military service.

The Board has determined that additional evidentiary development is required, including verifying the veteran's claimed in-service stressors and conducting a VA examination to determine if he currently has an acquired psychiatric disorder due to active service.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the veteran does not have a diagnosis of PTSD etiologically related to active service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.