PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2006

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, arthritis of the right elbow, arthritis of the left ankle, pericarditis, and myopic astigmatism. The appeals were not about service connection at all.

The Board has ordered the case to be remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions from a hepatologist and psychiatrist/psychologist. The issues on appeal include service connection for cause of death, dependency and indemnity compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318, and basic eligibility for educational benefits under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35.

The veteran's request for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional records from Social Security Administration.

The veteran's PTSD was rated at 70 percent effective April 20, 2005. The rating is based on the severity of symptoms and occupational/social impairment.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD, finding that there was no evidence of combat involvement and insufficient supporting evidence for the claimed in-service stressor. The diagnosis of PTSD is based on the veteran's statements, but without credible supporting evidence of an in-service stressor.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and fibromyalgia, finding no diagnosed conditions in his records.

The Board found that there is no current diagnosis of PTSD and the appellant's currently diagnosed psychiatric disabilities were first manifested many years after service and there is no competent evidence which relates such psychiatric disorders to service. Therefore, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hypertension was not incurred in or aggravated by service and is not causally related to service-connected diabetes mellitus. The claim for PTSD remains pending.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is service-connected due to verified in-service stressors, including being subject to rocket attacks while in Vietnam.

The veteran has withdrawn his appeal for service connection for PTSD and an eye disability, thus the case is dismissed.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD, sinus problems, headaches, irritable bowel syndrome and stomach problems, peripheral neuropathy, or skin disorder due to service. The evidence does not support his claims for these conditions.

The veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD has been dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal.

The veteran's claims for an increased rating for diabetes mellitus, service connection for PTSD, and a skin rash secondary to herbicide exposure were all denied. The veteran was not diagnosed with PTSD or a current skin condition related to his military service.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records from VA facilities.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is related to an in-service stressor and grants service connection for PTSD.

The Board denied service connection for a back disability, sleep disorder, and skin disorder. The Board granted service connection for an anal fistula. Service connection was not established for PTSD with depression.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected PTSD, DDD of the lumbar spine, and DDD of the cervical spine are being remanded to allow for additional examinations and consideration.

The veteran's claim for reimbursement of private medical expenses on May 25, 2004 was denied because VA facilities were feasibly available to provide the necessary care.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for additional development of evidence, including obtaining a copy of the citation associated with the Air Medal awarded in March 1970. The claim will be adjudicated on the merits.