PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2007

The veteran's PTSD symptoms do not result in deficiencies in most areas such as work, family relations, judgment, thinking or mood. The Board finds that the disability picture more nearly approximates the criteria for a 50 percent rating than an increased rating.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing notice as required by Dingess/Hartman v. Nicholson.

The veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since August 25, 2003. Service connection for stomach problems and GERD as secondary to PTSD is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD should be remanded to allow for further development, including obtaining a detailed description of his in-service stressors and conducting unit research.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is a result of his active duty service in Iraq and grants the claim for service connection.

The Board has ordered the VA to obtain terminal hospital records and seek an opinion on whether PTSD contributed to the veteran's death. The case is remanded for these actions.

The veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for his service-connected PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examination and development of medical records.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected conditions did not cause or contribute to his death due to hypoxia caused by aspiration pneumonia as a consequence of Parkinson's disease.

The veteran withdrew her appeals for increased evaluations of her mental disorder, maxillary sinusitis, and acne vulgaris before the Board could make a decision.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is associated with his military service and grants the claim for service connection.

The Board found that the veteran's prostate condition did not originate in service or for many years thereafter, and it is not related to any incident of service. The claim for PTSD was remanded.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to incomplete medical records and inadequate notice under 38 U.S.C.A. § 5103(a) and 38 C.F.R. § 3.159(b).

The Board has decided to remand the case for further examination and opinion regarding the veteran's claim of service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for the cause of her husband's death, accrued benefits based on a claim pending at the time of his death, and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA). The Board found that there was no evidence to support the contention that PTSD caused or contributed substantially to the veteran's death.

The Board has remanded the case due to procedural and evidentiary issues, including failure to provide proper notice regarding personal assault stressors and obtaining additional VA treatment records. The veteran is also required to undergo a VA psychiatric examination.

The veteran is seeking an earlier effective date for his service-connected PTSD with paranoid schizophrenia. The case has been remanded to determine if there was clear and unmistakable error in a prior rating decision.

The veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent disabling since November 2002, and the Board finds that this rating is appropriate based on his symptoms.

The Board finds that the veteran's additional disability was not caused by VA carelessness, negligence, or lack of proper skill. The abscess and infection were considered unforeseeable events.

The veteran seeks an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for his service-connected PTSD. The Board has determined that a new VA examination is needed to assess the current severity and manifestations of his PTSD, as well as any other mental disorders present.

The veteran's major depressive disorder with PTSD symptoms is granted as service connected, based on credible evidence of combat exposure and treatment.