PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2007

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is service-connected based on direct evidence of a link between his in-service stressor and his current symptoms.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the failure to schedule a Board hearing at the RO. The issues of service connection for PTSD and a chronic disability of the left hip, knee, and ankle remain under review.

The Board has determined that the evidence currently of record is sufficient to substantiate the veteran's claim to reopen, but the veteran does not have PTSD and therefore service connection for PTSD cannot be granted.

The veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for his service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional evidence.

The veteran's PTSD was found to be manifested by occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks, warranting a rating no higher than 30 percent for the period from May 14, 2002, to February 27, 2004. After February 27, 2004, the impairment was found to be more severe, warranting a rating no higher than 70 percent.

The veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent from June 11, 2001 until January 22, 2004 and increased to 50 percent beginning January 22, 2004.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his failure to appear for a scheduled Board hearing. He will be rescheduled for a videoconference hearing at the RO in Waco, Texas.

The Board has granted a 100 percent disability rating for PTSD since the date service connection was granted, and has remanded the issue of service connection for COPD due to asbestos exposure.

The Board has granted the veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for PTSD, and will now address the merits of the claim.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and anxiety disorders, finding that there was no credible in-service stressor and insufficient medical evidence linking the current psychiatric conditions to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is related to his service, specifically his combat experiences in Vietnam, and grants service connection for this condition.

The veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, the maximum schedular rating available under DC 9411. The VA has granted service connection for PTSD but denied service connection for a urinary tract disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed in-service stressors have not been verified, and therefore cannot establish service connection for PTSD.

The veteran's post-traumatic stress disorder is currently rated at 70 percent, effective December 29, 2000. The claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU was granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis of the right arm and shoulder, PTSD, schizophrenia, a low back disorder, a left knee disorder, a hip disorder, and a right foot disorder. The decision is final as it pertains to the issues of service connection for schizophrenia and the reopening of previously denied claims.

The Board denied the veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for PTSD due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including verifying the veteran's in-service stressors and providing him with corrective VCAA notice.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a new examination. The claim will be reconsidered after these steps are completed.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records and SSA medical records.

The veteran is seeking an earlier effective date for the award of total disability based on individual unemployability, but his case has been remanded due to a newly raised claim of clear and unmistakable error in an August 1992 rating decision.