PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2007

The Board has dismissed the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection for PTSD and TDIU due to a lack of timely notice of disagreement.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was not submitted to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, as the medical evidence previously of record does not meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD.

The Board granted an initial disability rating of 50 percent for PTSD, effective from October 29, 2004. In July 2006, the veteran's symptoms worsened and he was rated at a 70 percent disability due to increased PTSD symptoms.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD warrants a 30 percent disability rating, which is the maximum schedular evaluation available.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is directly caused by his military service and grants service connection for PTSD.

The veteran's claims for right knee disability, myopia, PTSD, irritable bowel syndrome, and hemorrhoids have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support service connection for any of these conditions.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to clarify the diagnosis of PTSD and determine if it is related to an in-service stressor. The veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD will be remanded.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for an increased evaluation in excess of 30 percent for service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The Board has denied service connection for the veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The case is being remanded to further develop evidence and consider all relevant laws.

The Board has granted an initial 70 percent rating for the veteran's PTSD, effective October 15, 2002. The symptoms include suicidal ideation, impaired impulse control, marital relationship difficulties, severe chronic sleep impairment, flashbacks, nightmares, irritability, depression, difficulty concentrating, paranoia, and difficulty adapting to stressful circumstances.

The veteran's PTSD was initially granted with a 30 percent evaluation, effective February 14, 2002. However, the disability picture worsened in June 2004, and the RO increased his rating to 50 percent.

The Board found that the veteran did not have exposure to mustard gas or Lewisite during service and thus could not establish a claim for service connection based on such exposure. The Board also determined that there was no evidence of combat, which is required for claims involving PTSD. As a result, the veteran's claims were denied.

The veteran's post-traumatic stress disorder did not meet the criteria for a higher initial rating before January 23, 2007. From that date, his symptoms were not severe enough to warrant an increased rating.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD, finding that there was no evidence to support a diagnosis of PTSD after the October 1999 rating decision.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection of various conditions, including head injury, back disability, shoulder disorders, foot injuries, eye disorder, heart disorder, lung disease, psychiatric disorder, diabetes mellitus, asbestosis, COPD, cervical spine disorder, hemorrhoids, tinnitus, and loss of teeth are not supported by the evidence of record.

The veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The issue of service connection for a left shoulder disability is not in appellate status.

The veteran's claims for PTSD and hepatitis C are being remanded due to the need to verify his service in Vietnam, confirm stressor events, and obtain VA medical records. The case will be reviewed again after these steps.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have PTSD and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied. The claims for secondary service connection for alcoholism and substance abuse are also denied.

The Board granted an initial 30 percent rating for PTSD, effective October 25, 1996. The veteran's PTSD is characterized by symptoms such as nightmares, flashbacks, irritability, avoidance behaviors, startle reaction, mild memory loss, and difficulty dealing with stress. However, he maintains a relationship with family members and works full time.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is related to his service and grants service connection for this condition.