PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2006

The veteran's service-connected PTSD warrants a staged increased rating of 70 percent from June 10, 2004.

The Board finds that the veteran does not have a service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has determined that the effective date for a grant of Total Disability Rating based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) is November 17, 1997.

The veteran's PTSD prior to June 5, 2005 resulted in occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks. Since June 6, 2005, the condition has caused reduced reliability and productivity with difficulty in establishing effective work and social relationships.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and an increased rating for PTSD. The VA examiner found no medical evidence linking the veteran's current hearing loss or PTSD to his military service.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for service-connected PTSD, finding that his symptoms did not warrant a higher evaluation.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his request for withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and consideration due to procedural issues, including a need for additional VCAA notice regarding the reopening of the claim for service connection for PTSD.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder, bilateral defective hearing, and chronic tinnitus are being remanded due to inconsistencies in reported stressors and lack of verification.

The veteran's PTSD is granted as it was incurred in service. The claim for a low back disability is denied as new and material evidence has not been submitted.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, hepatitis C, and a dental condition. The evidence did not support these claims.

The Board found that the veteran did not have a verified service stressor related to PTSD and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD, finding that the evidence did not show deficiencies due to suicidal ideation, constant panic attacks or depression, unprovoked irritability, spatial disorientation, neglect of personal appearance, or difficulty adapting to stressful work circumstances.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the veteran's claim for PTSD. The Board also granted service connection for PTSD on the merits, finding that it was incurred in military service.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims due to incomplete medical records and need for further examination.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not currently suffer from PTSD and therefore, service connection for PTSD is denied.

The Board found no credible supporting evidence for the veteran's claimed in-service stressor, and thus denied his claim of service connection for PTSD.

The veteran's initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied, and his claim for an increased rating for PTSD remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to insufficient evidence regarding the veteran's claimed psychiatric, hearing loss, and neurological conditions.