PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2006

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, finding that he did not meet the criteria for such a rating.

The Board denied an evaluation in excess of 30 percent for PTSD and TDIU during the specified period due to insufficient evidence supporting higher ratings.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased disability rating for PTSD and a prior effective date for TDIU, finding that the criteria for these determinations were not met before February 10, 2004.

The RO denied service connection for PTSD in July 1989 and May 1993, finding no diagnosis of PTSD. The veteran's claim is being reconsidered due to a request for an earlier effective date.

The veteran's appeal is remanded to the RO for additional procedural development, including obtaining medical records from Social Security Administration (SSA) and readjudicating his claim of entitlement to an initial evaluation greater than 50 percent for PTSD for the period from August 13, 2001 to December 22, 2002.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the failure to notify him of a scheduled RO hearing. The veteran requested a Board hearing at the RO, and his request for a travel board hearing has been noted.

The Board has granted a higher initial rating of 50% for PTSD with dysthymia and an anxiety disorder, effective January 4, 2001. The earlier effective date for service connection is also granted.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a head injury, facial abrasions and contusions, attention deficit disorder, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The claims were reopened due to new evidence submitted by the veteran.

The veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, the minimum percentage for a compensable evaluation. The symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis C, PTSD, and an increased rating for migraine headaches. The claim for new and material evidence to reopen a previously denied depression claim was also denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the veteran was sexually assaulted in service and whether she meets the criteria for PTSD based on this event. The case is remanded for a comprehensive VA examination by a panel of a mental health professional and a gynecologist.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD warrants a 70 percent disability rating from October 7, 2002 to March 20, 2005 and a 70 percent disability rating is granted for the period from March 21, 2005 to present.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been presented to reopen the claim of service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder, resulting in a denial.

The veteran's representative notified VA that the veteran had died, and as a result, the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this claim.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a compensable rating for residuals of a fractured right tibia and service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The evidence did not support the presence of current disabilities or a link to service.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the schedular criteria for TDIU, but he asserts that they merit TDIU on an extraschedular basis. The case is remanded to obtain a copy of the SSA decision and records considered in the decision granting disability benefits.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for glaucoma and PTSD, finding no evidence of these conditions during active duty or for several decades following discharge. The claim for hepatitis was not addressed as it is a separate issue.

The Board found that the veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent disability rating. The claim for an increased rating was denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including consideration of new evidence and clarification on whether the veteran desires a hearing.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the veteran's claimed in-service stressor and incomplete VA treatment records. The veteran must provide additional information about his claimed in-service stressors, including details of the event(s), unit of assignment at the time, and any other individuals involved.