PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2007

The veteran's service-connected psychiatric conditions did not result in total occupational and social impairment prior to January 2, 2001.

The veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent from March 5, 2004 to August 4, 2004. From August 5, 2004 to October 25, 2006, the rating was increased to 50 percent. After that date, the PTSD is rated at 70 percent.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain updated medical records and arrange for a psychiatric examination to determine if the veteran meets the criteria for PTSD related to his combat stressor events.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the TDIU rating was denied as his service-connected disabilities did not warrant a higher schedular evaluation prior to December 29, 1993.

The veteran's service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder was initially rated at 30 percent in July 2002. The veteran submitted a claim for an increased rating, which resulted in a 100 percent rating effective October 7, 2002. The appellant did not represent the veteran during this process and is therefore not eligible for attorney fees from past-due benefits resulting from the May 2003 rating decision.

The veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, but he argues for a higher rating based on his current symptoms. The VA examiner found the veteran to have moderate PTSD symptoms.,VA determined that the urethral stricture and incontinence are not related to his service-connected gunshot wound to the right buttock and penis. Instead, they were caused by prostate cancer.

The veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent from November 14, 2001 to April 4, 2004. This rating is based on the criteria for a 70 percent evaluation due to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The veteran's appeal was denied for an initial disability evaluation in excess of 30 percent for PTSD from June 17, 2002 to April 3, 2005 and an initial disability evaluation in excess of 50 percent for PTSD from April 4, 2005.,The veteran's appeal was also denied for effective dates prior to June 17, 2002 for the grant of a 10 percent evaluation for the service-connected residuals of a fragment wound to the right neck and for the grant of service connection for PTSD.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO in Houston, Texas for further action including scheduling a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at San Antonio, Texas.

The veteran's skin disorder (nummular eczema) was not found to be incurred in or aggravated by service, and may not be presumed to have been so incurred due to exposure to herbicides. The claim for PTSD was also denied as there was no established combat stressor.

The veteran's claim for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder is being remanded due to the need for further development of evidence regarding in-service stressors.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly evaluate the veteran's service-connected PTSD and diabetes mellitus, including obtaining updated medical records and arranging for VA examinations.

Throughout the appeal period, the veteran's PTSD has not been shown to be manifested by more than occupational and social impairment with an occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to verify stressors and obtain medical records, including those from private chiropractors. The veteran's claims for service connection will be reconsidered based on the additional evidence.

The veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including a VA psychiatric examination to assess the current severity of his PTSD and determine if he is entitled to higher initial ratings.

The veteran is seeking an increased evaluation for his post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from the VA. The current appeal involves determining if he should receive a higher rating for PTSD prior to September 22, 2005, and in excess of 30 percent thereafter.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims due to incomplete service medical records and for an appropriate examination regarding lumbar fracture, L1-3, and degenerative arthritis.

The veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted. The heart condition claim was denied as it cannot be attributed to service-connected PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining unit histories and verifying stressor events. The veteran's claims of service connection for residuals of frostbite of the feet and PTSD are pending.