PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2007

The VA determined that the veteran's PTSD warranted a 100% evaluation, effective prior to February 4, 2005 and beginning on that date. The decision also found that the veteran's claim for TDIU was moot due to his already receiving a high disability rating for PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete verification of stressors and additional development is required.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD due to an in-service automobile accident. The case will be reviewed again with a VA mental examination and consideration of all available records.

The veteran's service as a medical specialist at the 85th Evacuation Hospital in Vietnam from January 1969 to January 1970, where he dealt with wounded and killed soldiers, resulted in PTSD. The Board found that his symptoms align with PTSD and granted service connection for this condition.

The veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional development of his claims file, including obtaining private treatment records from October 2005 to present.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected PTSD contributed substantially and materially to his death from congestive heart failure, granting the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD and residuals of a laceration of the left Achilles tendon have resulted in him being unable to maintain substantial gainful employment, warranting a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

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

The veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, prostate disability, and skin disability are denied due to lack of a confirmed stressor or diagnosis. The veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of gonorrhea is denied as there is no medical evidence linking the condition to service. The veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, GERD, left ankle disability, neck disability, and Tietze's syndrome are denied due to lack of a current diagnosis or competent medical evidence linking the conditions to service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date prior to August 31, 1992 for the grant of service connection for PTSD. The June 1996 rating decision was not found to be clearly and unmistakably erroneous.

The Board found no evidence of PTSD and denied service connection for the other conditions. The heart disorder, diabetes mellitus, and respiratory condition were not shown to be related to service.

The Board has restored the veteran's 30 percent disability rating for service-connected PTSD, effective August 1, 2004.

The veteran's claim for TDIU was granted effective February 20, 2003, based on his service-connected disabilities.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD is being remanded due to the lack of a timely Substantive Appeal. The Board will review the timeliness of the appeal and determine if additional development is needed.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD warrants a 70 percent disability rating, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Board denied the veteran's request for a workshop, equipment and supplies to continue his matting and framing pursuits under Chapter 31, Individual Independent Living Program due to the lack of necessity in improving his independence in daily living.

The Board has remanded the case due to failure to comply with a previous directive to obtain unit records and further efforts are required.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the veteran's account of stressors is credible and consistent with the circumstances of his service.

The veteran's initial disability ratings for diabetes mellitus, PTSD, watery stools associated with Type II diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, and diabetic retinopathy have been denied. The veteran is currently rated at 30 percent for PTSD since January 2, 2004.