PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2007

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD and erectile dysfunction, as well as his claim for TDIU. The decision found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 10 percent, and his back strain with arthritis is not rated higher than 20 percent. The Board has determined that the evidence supports a rating of 30 percent for PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including verification of a reported in-service helicopter crash stressor and a VA psychiatric examination to determine if PTSD is service-connected.

The veteran's PTSD was not shown to meet the criteria for a higher evaluation, as his symptoms did not result in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the lack of verified stressors. The VA needs to request a more detailed statement from the veteran, obtain his service personnel records, and attempt to verify the claimed stressors through the U.S. Army and Joint Services Records Research Center (JSRRC).

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for post-traumatic stress disorder was denied as the May 1993 rating decision is final and there is no evidence of clear and unmistakable error. The current effective date remains June 30, 2000.

The veteran's PTSD was rated at 100% since March 12, 1997. As the appellant did not file a claim prior to this date, she is not entitled to DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The VA determined that the veteran's PTSD does not warrant an increased rating beyond 30 percent, as his symptoms do not meet criteria for a higher rating.

The veteran's PTSD was granted service connection, but his initial evaluations for anxiety disorder were denied.,PTSD was granted effective September 6, 2000. The veteran received a 100% evaluation for anxiety disorder from October 15, 2004.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for septic meningitis and PTSD, as well as his claim to reopen a previously denied anxiety disability. The Board also found that there was no evidence of nerve damage or scar from VA care.

The veteran's death certificate does not list any service-connected conditions. The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder other than anxiety reaction, SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound, and TDIU due to lack of evidence supporting these claims.

The veteran's PTSD rating was increased to 100 percent effective January 6, 2000. The TDIU claim remains denied.

The Board has ordered additional development to verify the veteran's claimed in-service stressors for PTSD and to obtain pertinent medical records. The case will be remanded for further action.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination to determine if the veteran's PTSD is service-connected.

The Board found that the veteran's claimed in-service stressors of sexual and physical assaults did not occur, and there is no credible supporting evidence to corroborate these allegations. The Board also noted a lack of behavior changes following the alleged stressful events, as well as other inconsistencies with the veteran's statements. As such, service connection for PTSD and schizophrenia was denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is related to his military service, specifically his exposure to wounded and dead soldiers at Andrews Air Force Base. As a result, the claim for service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling an examination. The veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent.

The Board has granted a 70 percent rating for the veteran's PTSD, finding that his disability picture more nearly approximates the criteria of occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas such as work, family relations, thinking or mood. The TDIU claim is also granted.

The Board has determined that there is no current diagnosis of PTSD or bilateral wrist arthritis, and therefore service connection for these conditions cannot be granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD due to a lack of verified in-service stressors and inadequate diagnoses based on unsubstantiated history.