PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2007

The veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent prior to December 9, 2005 and from that date. The Board finds this rating appropriate based on the severity of symptoms.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the veteran's current diagnosis of PTSD is related to an in-service stressor involving sexual assault. The claimant was not previously denied on this issue.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral foot disability and PTSD, finding that there is no credible evidence of in-service stressors or a link between current symptoms and service. The veteran's current foot problems are not related to service, and her PTSD is more likely due to pre-service trauma.

The Board has decided the case must be remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting a VA examination to determine if PTSD is related to in-service sexual assault.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the veteran's claimed PTSD and its connection to service. The VA will attempt to verify stressors, conduct a PTSD examination, and determine if the diagnosed condition is related to a confirmed in-service event.

The veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 50 percent for service-connected PTSD is being remanded due to the need to obtain additional treatment records and conduct a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for erectile dysfunction as secondary to his service-connected PTSD.

The VA has determined that the veteran's PTSD warrants a 70 percent disability rating, reflecting more severe symptoms than previously considered.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD, finding that his symptoms are indicative of no greater occupational and social impairment than as due to moderate symptoms with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks.

The Board found that the veteran did not engage in combat with the enemy during his service and thus could not establish a stressor related to his PTSD. The alleged stressor of witnessing the killing of a Vietnamese person cannot be verified, leading to denial of the claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the veteran's claimed in-service stressors and their relationship to PTSD. The RO is instructed to verify these events and, if possible, conduct a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board has granted an effective date of April 11, 1980 for the award of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and schizophrenia), based on a liberalizing law that added PTSD to the rating criteria. The veteran met the criteria for PTSD as of this date.

The Board has granted service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) based on exposure to in-service stressors, including providing support fire for U.S. ground forces.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA psychiatric examination to determine the current level of the veteran's service-connected PTSD. The AOJ should readjudicate the appellant's claim after this examination.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the evidence supports a current diagnosis of PTSD and establishes a link between the condition and an in-service stressor.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to new evidence indicating a worsening of his PTSD symptoms, necessitating a VA examination and further review.

The VA has determined that the veteran's PTSD does not warrant a disability evaluation in excess of 30 percent.

The Board has found that the veteran meets the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD and that her symptoms are related to stressors in service, leading to a favorable decision on her claim.

The Board found no credible supporting evidence that the veteran's claimed in-service stressors actually occurred, and thus denied service connection for PTSD.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for PTSD. The veteran's contentions regarding his stressors in boot camp are acknowledged, but they do not constitute medical evidence establishing a current diagnosis or etiology of PTSD.