PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2006

The veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent from July 3, 2001 to April 29, 2003 and increased to 50 percent as of April 30, 2003.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD. The issue of service connection for depression is also raised by the record and must be considered as part of this appeal.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, a heart disorder, and calluses on her feet. The appeals are all denied as new and material evidence was not received to reopen any of these claims.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for both PTSD and Hepatitis C claims, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the onset of each condition and their relationship to service.

The veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and possibly a VA examination.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating of PTSD was granted, with the current rating of 50 percent. The issue of secondary service connection for hypertension remains pending.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder and a psychiatric disorder (other than PTSD) due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his active military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including verifying stressors and obtaining a VA psychiatric examination.

The veteran withdrew his appeal for a rating in excess of 40 percent for varicose veins, leaving no unresolved issues.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not meet the criteria for a PTSD diagnosis and therefore, service connection for PTSD is denied.

The Board found that the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 100% rating for PTSD with depression did not meet the criteria, as there was no evidence of total occupational and social impairment prior to March 29, 2002.

The veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for service-connected PTSD is being remanded to the RO for additional development and review.

The veteran's PTSD, depression, right cervical radiculopathy, and right ulnar neuropathy are all found to be related to a personal assault she experienced during service. The Board grants these claims.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA psychiatric examination to assess the severity of his PTSD, as he and his wife believe it is worse than previously reported.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of shrapnel wounds to his left wrist and lower leg, traumatic arthritis in his left wrist and shoulders, and PTSD. The Board found that there was no evidence of shrapnel injuries during service or within the presumptive period after service, and that the current disabilities were not related to military service.

The Board has found that the veteran engaged in combat and has a current diagnosis of PTSD related to service, thus granting service connection for PTSD.

The veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including a VA psychiatric examination to assess his employability due to PTSD.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD was not incurred in or aggravated by service, as there is no credible evidence supporting his claimed stressors and he did not engage in combat with the enemy. As a result, the claim for service connection for PTSD is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD and OCD are service-connected, with OCD being secondary to his PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining records of PTSD treatment and arranging for an examination to determine if the service-connected disabilities alone render the veteran unemployable.