PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2006

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on being housebound.

The veteran seeks service connection for PTSD. The VA has diagnosed the veteran with PTSD based on clinical tests, but the stressors have not been verified due to lack of manifest evidence in service records and unverified personal exposure claims. The case is being remanded for further investigation into the veteran's claimed stressors.

The veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for the grant of special monthly compensation based upon the housebound rate is dismissed.,The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD is denied.

The Board has granted a 70 percent evaluation for the service-connected PTSD, which is more nearly approximates the criteria for occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to a previous remand not being followed.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have PTSD and his heart disease is not linked to service or a service-connected condition. Therefore, both claims for service connection are denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current right lung disorder and finds that his PTSD disability picture is currently evaluated at 30 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available. The claim for an increased rating for PTSD is denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an effective date prior to December 5, 2002 for a 70 percent disability evaluation for service-connected Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

The Board denied an effective date earlier than March 25, 1999 for the award of Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected PTSD. The veteran's claim was not considered 'factually ascertainable' as unemployable within one year prior to his formal claim.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection of PTSD due to a lack of corroborated stressor supporting the diagnosis.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for PTSD, but additional development is required regarding the underlying service connection claim.

The Board has determined that the veteran's spinal stenosis, PTSD, duodenal ulcer disease, and sterility are not service-connected. The veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, but does not meet criteria for a higher rating due to his symptoms being within the range of occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for depression and PTSD as there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for staphylococcal infection and post-traumatic stress disorder. The decision found no evidence of in-service stressors related to PTSD, and concluded that the veteran did not have a current diagnosis of PTSD.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for hepatitis C. The service connection claim for depression and PTSD is being remanded for further development. The claim to reopen the service connection claim for PTSD remains pending.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining a new VA psychiatric examination report and providing VCAA notice regarding disability ratings and effective dates.

The Board has remanded the case due to missing medical records and SSA disability benefits records. The veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is pending.

The Board found that the veteran's PTSD was not service-connected due to lack of combat involvement and unverifiable stressors.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the inability to obtain a VA examination at his prison.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development and consideration of the evidence.