PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2007

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed PTSD is not service-connected due to a lack of credible supporting evidence for the in-service stressors.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD, along with other psychiatric conditions, results in occupational and social impairment warranting a 30 percent disability rating.

The Board found that the veteran's neurological condition (manifested by low back pain and numbness) is not due to his service-connected disability of left side Muscle Group XVII shrapnel wound damage. The PTSD claim was also denied as it did not meet the criteria for a higher initial rating.

The Board found that the veteran does not have a competent diagnosis of PTSD and therefore denied service connection for PTSD.

The Board has determined that the veteran engaged in combat and has a current diagnosis of PTSD related to a combat stressor that occurred in service. Therefore, service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's nonservice-connected hypertension is increased in severity by his service-connected PTSD, and thus grants service connection for this degree of increased hypertension.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a more current and comprehensive psychiatric examination.

The Board found that the evidence did not establish beyond a reasonable doubt that the appellant knowingly made or caused to be made false or fraudulent statements concerning her claim for benefits. As such, forfeiture of her rights and benefits was improper.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues with locating the original claims file and rebuilding it in accordance with VA procedures. The veteran's service medical records, including those related to his claimed PTSD stressors, are missing.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected PTSD contributed to his death, and thus grants service connection for the cause of death.

The veteran's PTSD was granted a 50 percent evaluation effective October 26, 2004. Prior to this date, he received a 30 percent evaluation.

The veteran's PTSD is found to be related to an assault she experienced during her hospitalization at a VA medical facility in Albuquerque, New Mexico. As such, the claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 based on this incident is granted.

The veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is denied as there is no credible evidence of in-service stressors and the diagnosis cannot be linked to service.

The Board has granted service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the veteran's claim is now resolved.

The veteran's PTSD, major depressive disorder, and panic disorder with agoraphobia are currently rated at 70 percent. The Board finds that the symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they do not meet the criteria for a 100 percent rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left thumb scar, residuals of cuts on his forearm, shoulder and chest, and PTSD are all service-connected. The scars were incurred during service due to injuries sustained while using a knife or in an attack by another individual. The PTSD is linked to a traumatic event during service.

The Board has granted service connection for erectile dysfunction and major depression, finding that these conditions are related to the veteran's service-connected urethral stricture. The claim of service connection for PTSD is also granted as it is linked to the veteran's experiences in service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and alcohol dependence, as well as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The decision also noted that new and material evidence had not been provided to reopen a previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding medical records and a need for further examination of the veteran's PTSD.