PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2006

The veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied because the stressor allegations were not verified, and there is no evidence of combat engagement. The veteran's contentions about stressors are uncorroborated and do not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development of evidence regarding the veteran's claimed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The RO is instructed to schedule a VA psychiatric examination and determine if PTSD is related solely to an in-service automobile accident. If diagnosed, the examiner must specify the factors supporting the diagnosis, the specific stressor(s) that prompted it, and whether there is a link between current symptomatology and the stressor(s), including the April 1968 automobile accident.

The VA denied an increased evaluation for PTSD, finding that the veteran's symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board found that the veteran's PTSD was not incurred in or aggravated by service due to a lack of credible supporting evidence for his claimed stressors.

The veteran's claim for service connection for depression, including as secondary to his service-connected disabilities, has been reopened. His claim for an increased rating for residuals of a compression fracture of the first lumbar vertebra is granted. The claim for a total rating by reason of individual unemployability due to service connected disabilities remains denied. His claim for an increased initial rating for traumatic arthritis of the lumbar spine is also granted.

The Board granted a 10 percent evaluation for the residuals of fracture to the left distal malleolus, effective from November 29, 2001. The veteran's claim for PTSD was remanded and is pending.

The veteran's PTSD with agoraphobia was evaluated as 30 percent disabling from November 8, 2000, to August 13, 2004, and as 50 percent disabling thereafter.

The Board granted a 50 percent rating for PTSD effective December 8, 2005. The veteran's PTSD was productive of occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The veteran's post-traumatic stress disorder is granted as it was incurred during his active service.

The Board found that there is no evidence to support a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder related to the veteran's active military service.

The Board has reopened the claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD and finds that new and material evidence has been submitted. The knee disorder claim is remanded due to lack of relevant medical records.

The veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD, and skin disability due to herbicide exposure were denied. The claim for an increased rating for optic atrophy of the left eye was also denied.

The Board has granted a 70 percent disability rating for the veteran's PTSD, effective from May 7, 2001. The veteran's PTSD is manifested by significant deficiencies in work, school, family relations, and mood.

The veteran is seeking an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for his service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The VA has remanded the case due to a lack of recent medical records and a need for a new examination.

The VA determined that the veteran's PTSD did not warrant a rating in excess of 30 percent for purposes of accrued benefits.

The Board has granted an increased initial rating of 50 percent for the service-connected PTSD, finding that it most closely approximates the criteria for such a rating based on occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. Service connection for hepatitis C is also granted.

The veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is remanded due to the need for further verification of his claimed stressors. The claims for erectile dysfunction and loss of use of a creative organ are also remanded as additional evidence may be needed to determine if these conditions are related to military service.

The case has been remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and verifying stressors for PTSD. The veteran's right and left foot disabilities are also being reviewed.

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

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD, and thus the claim is reopened.