PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2007

The veteran's death was not caused by any service-connected disability, and therefore DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 is denied.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim of service connection for a herniated nucleus pulposus of L5-S1, on the right and postoperative. The claims of service connection for a skin disorder (to include as due to herbicide exposure) and PTSD remain pending.

The Board found no diagnosis of PTSD based on events during active service and denied the veteran's claim for service connection.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at the highest possible evaluation of 100 percent, reflecting total occupational and social impairment.

The Board found that the veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as an adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood and some elements of PTSD, is related to his military service. The Board also granted a 40 percent rating for his right shoulder disability since October 12, 2006.

The Board has ordered the case to be remanded for additional development, including contacting a VA psychiatrist and social worker who provided support for the veteran's PTSD claim.

The veteran's PTSD prior to June 11, 2003 resulted in occasional symptoms such as nightmares and intrusive thoughts. However, it did not cause significant occupational or social impairment.

The Board found no competent medical evidence linking the veteran's PTSD to his service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board's May 22, 1991 decision assigned a 50 percent disability rating for PTSD. The veteran argues that he should have received a 100 percent rating due to his unemployability.

The veteran withdrew her appeal for an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for tendonitis, right ankle. The case is remanded to verify the claimed stressor event for PTSD.

The veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent effective from March 20, 2004. The Board has determined that the evidence does not support a higher rating prior to this date.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD.

The veteran's claim of entitlement to an increased rating for service-connected PTSD is being remanded due to procedural defects and the need for a new examination.

The veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and opinion. The appeal will be returned to the Board for further consideration.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD due to a lack of verified in-service stressors and an inadequate diagnosis.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for tinnitus, bladder disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder due to additional development being required.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection of PTSD, a psychiatric disability other than PTSD, a bilateral knee condition, a thyroid condition, and hypertension. The evidence did not support these claims.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD is denied as a matter of law due to the absence of dispute regarding the relevant facts and governing law. The RO has granted service connection for PTSD with an effective date of October 26, 2004.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to verify a claimed stressor incident and determine if the veteran meets the criteria for PTSD.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher initial rating in excess of 30 percent. The RO also found that the veteran is not unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities.