PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2006

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD does not warrant a rating higher than 30 percent, as his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD was incurred in military service and granted his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for PTSD due to lack of a current diagnosis. The claims for seizure disorder and duodenal ulcer disease are also denied.

The veteran's post-traumatic stress disorder has been rated at 50 percent since May 8, 2001. The Board found that the symptoms do not warrant a higher evaluation.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, skin cancer as a result of herbicide exposure, and COPD. The evidence did not support these claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder and increased ratings for his post-gastrectomy syndrome with paraesophageal hiatal hernia, as well as his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability. The veteran was not provided with verified in-service stressor events or evidence of exposure to hazardous environments.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of service connection for PTSD, finding that entitlement to this benefit did not arise prior to August 6, 2001.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including verification of stressors and a VA psychiatric examination to determine if the veteran meets the criteria for PTSD.

The veteran's left ankle and back disabilities are not found to be related to his service-connected right knee disability, leading to the denial of these claims.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine if the veteran's PTSD is related to service, specifically an alleged sexual assault during service. The case is being remanded for additional examination and evidence collection.

The veteran's appeal is to determine if he should be granted an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD. The RO has provided a thorough explanation for why the claim was denied, but further VCAA notice is needed.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for an increased rating for his back disability and service connection for tinnitus and PTSD due to incomplete medical examinations.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD as there is no verified stressor event in service and the diagnosis of PTSD was not based on a verified event.

The veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for further development of evidence, including verification of stressors related to his military service.

The Board found that the veteran did not have current diagnoses of right and left shoulder conditions, right and left leg and foot conditions, depression or PTSD. The VA examiner concluded that the veteran's hearing loss occurred following his military service. The Board also determined that there was no evidence linking the veteran's degenerative joint disease to his active duty service.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD in May 2002 and found that no new and material evidence had been received to reopen the claim. The VA has reviewed all available evidence, including recent treatment records, but determined it does not meet the criteria for reopening the claim.

The veteran's PTSD has been granted a 100 percent rating, effectively resolving his claim for an increased disability rating. His TDIU claim is moot due to the grant of a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient verification of the veteran's claimed in-service stressful experiences, and a VA psychiatric examination is required if any stressors are verified.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient verification of in-service stressors and additional development is needed, including obtaining service records and conducting a VA psychiatric examination.

The veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, effective September 1994. The lumbar and thoracic spine disabilities are each rated at 20 percent.