PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2006

The veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that it does not warrant a higher rating based on the symptoms presented.

The Board found that the veteran's reported stressors did not occur during his service and could not be confirmed by evidence. As a result, the claim for PTSD was denied.

The Board has ordered additional development to obtain relevant medical records and a new VA psychiatric examination in order to determine the nature and etiology of any current psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and whether new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen his claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD will be readjudicated after all development is completed.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a diagnosed psychiatric disability, gastroesophageal disease, respiratory condition (COPD), or right shoulder disability related to service. The claims for these conditions are therefore denied.

The veteran's initial rating for PTSD is granted at 50 percent, effective January 23, 2003. The claim of entitlement to an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD remains unresolved.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an effective date earlier than May 21, 2004 for a 100 percent evaluation for PTSD and for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance or upon housebound status. The RO increased the disability rating to 100 percent effective from May 21, 2004.

The VA has granted service connection for PTSD and assigned an initial 50 percent rating, effective May 3, 2005. The veteran's symptoms include suicidal ideation, panic attacks, impaired judgment, and difficulty in establishing relationships.

The veteran's widow is granted a compensable disability evaluation of 50% for PTSD, effective from September 23, 1998.,The appellant's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for the cause of her husband's death was denied.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD.

The Board denied the petition to reopen the claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that new and material evidence had not been received. The appellant's current diagnosis of PTSD was not established.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD, finding that the evidence does not support such an increase given the current symptoms and occupational/social functioning.

The veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD and hepatitis C has been dismissed due to the death of the veteran.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased disability rating for PTSD and service connection for a right upper extremity disability and a vocal chord disability, finding that there was no evidence of current disabilities to support these claims.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD and hepatitis C, to include as due to herbicide exposure. The veteran's hepatitis C was not related to active military service, while his PTSD claim is remanded for further clarification.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including verifying the veteran's claimed combat stressors and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board found no evidence of a link between the claimed conditions and service, thus denying all claims for service connection.

The veteran's dyshidrotic dermatitis of the right hand does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.,Service connection is granted for PTSD based on confirmed in-service stressors.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for a 70 percent disability rating for PTSD and TDIU are without legal merit, as there was no pending claim prior to June 24, 2003.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to procedural issues.

The Board has determined that the veteran needs to submit new and material evidence in order to reopen his claim of service connection for PTSD. The case is being remanded for further development.