PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2006

The Board denied all service connection claims, finding no evidence of exposure to ionizing radiation or herbicides and insufficient credible supporting evidence for the claimed stressors related to PTSD.

The veteran does not have an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, that is related to his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that his claimed in-service stressful events were not supported by credible corroborating evidence and preponderated against a finding of engagement in combat.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have PTSD due to a verified stressor event in service and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied. The preponderance of evidence also does not support service connection for dysthymia or other psychiatric conditions.

The VA determined that the veteran's PTSD does not warrant an evaluation in excess of 50 percent, based on symptoms consistent with a diagnosis of chronic PTSD.

The veteran's PTSD caused significant occupational and social impairment prior to November 13, 2003. Since then, the disability has continued to cause substantial impairment.

The veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent from December 20, 2002 to April 7, 2004 and denied for an evaluation in excess of this. For the period on and after April 7, 2004, he is not entitled to a rating higher than 50 percent.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, and an increased rating for bilateral ingrown toenails due to lack of credible evidence supporting the claimed stressors in service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed mental disorders, including PTSD and depression, were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The evidence does not support a finding of an in-service stressor for PTSD, nor is there any medical evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disability to include post-traumatic stress disorder and bilateral femoral artery occlusion, finding that there was no evidence of an in-service onset or relationship to service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to verify the veteran's service dates and obtain his military records, as well as to confirm or refute any administrative discharge due to mental health issues. The VA will also need to review the claims file for a comprehensive psychiatric examination.

The veteran's claims for service connection of sinus disability, skin disability, sleep apnea, glaucoma, and mitral regurgitation (heart disease) were denied. The veteran's PTSD was evaluated at 50% disabling.

The veteran's claim for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining information about alleged stressors and verifying them.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and Depressive Disorder, finding that there was no verified stressor for PTSD and insufficient evidence linking the current depressive disorder to service.

The veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent prior to March 25, 2003 and denied for a higher rating. From March 25, 2003, the claim remains denied.

The VA has granted service connection for PTSD and assigned an initial 30 percent disability rating, effective January 7, 2003. The veteran's PTSD is currently manifested by symptoms such as interrupted sleep, occasional nightmares, irritability, intermittent flashbacks, anxious mood, depression, and some impairment in concentration.

The veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for a 100 percent evaluation for post-traumatic stress disorder has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is due to his service in Vietnam, specifically exposure to incoming enemy fire. As such, the claim for service connection for PTSD is granted.

The veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to incomplete verification of stressors and the need for further examination.

The Board has granted service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder based on a verified in-service sexual assault.