PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2007

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for PTSD is being remanded to the RO for further development and consideration.

The veteran's service connection claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD and PTSD have been denied. The Board found that the veteran did not meet the criteria for service connection due to a lack of verified in-service stressors for PTSD, and no aggravation of pre-existing conditions during service.

The Board found that the veteran did not engage in combat with the enemy during service and there is no credible supporting evidence of an in-service stressor related to his experiences in Vietnam. As a result, the claim for service connection for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder was denied.

The veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, effective December 21, 2004. The Board found that a higher rating was not warranted.

The Board has determined that the veteran served in combat and his PTSD is related to this service, granting him service connection for PTSD.

The veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, effective from April 5, 2004. The initial rating of 30 percent was granted in March 1996.

The VA determined that the veteran's PTSD does not warrant an increased evaluation, as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD due to a lack of verified in-service stressors, as requested by VA. The veteran was not responsive to requests for information and failed to provide details about his claimed stressors.

The Board denied the veteran's claim that the July 2000 rating decision, which granted service connection for PTSD and assigned an effective date of February 9, 2000, was a product of clear and unmistakable error.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD warrants a rating of 70 percent, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment. The TDIU claim is also granted.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD as the evidence did not meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD.

The veteran withdrew his appeal of the claims for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder and an earlier effective date for the grant of nonservice-connected pension.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD is manifested by suicidal ideation, a recent suicide attempt, panic attacks, chronic insomnia, severe marital discord, limited judgment and insight, an angry and dysphoric mood, nightmares, and depression. The criteria for a 70 percent rating for PTSD have been met.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD as there is no evidence of combat participation or a verified in-service stressor.

The VA has determined that the veteran's PTSD causes occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, but does not result in more severe impairment. The current rating of 50 percent is therefore appropriate.

The Board has determined that an effective date earlier than May 31, 2002 for the assignment of a 100 percent evaluation for PTSD is denied.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further examination and opinion regarding his psychiatric disorder, which he claims is related to his service-connected hepatitis C. The issue of overpayment of pension benefits will be addressed in a separate statement of the case.

The Board has determined that neither PTSD nor dystonia were incurred in or aggravated by military service.

The Board has granted a 70 percent rating for the veteran's PTSD prior to August 11, 2005, finding that his symptoms have caused severe impairment in most areas of work and social life.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, effective May 22, 2003. The RO denied increased ratings for the shell fragment wounds to both legs.