PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2007

The Board has determined that the veteran's dementia, PTSD, somatic disorder, eye disorder, ulcers, and urinary tract disorder are not service-connected. The scar condition is also denied.

The Board found that the veteran's PTSD is manifested by occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, but did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 50 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected psychoneurosis, anxiety state (history of post-traumatic stress disorder) contributed substantially or materially to his death. Therefore, service connection for the cause of the veteran's death is granted.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining opinions concerning the etiology of his skin and cardiovascular disorders.

The Board has determined that the veteran's post-traumatic stress disorder is service-connected as it was incurred during his active military service.

The veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since the rating period on appeal, reflecting symptoms including poor sleep, nightmares, depression, anxiety, detachment, isolative behavior, hypervigilance, irritability, memory loss, and concentration deficit. The current evaluation adequately reflects his disability picture.

The Board denied service connection for seizure disorder and psychiatric disability (including PTSD) as the evidence did not support a finding of in-service onset or a link to service.

The veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied due to lack of verified in-service stressors. The case is being remanded to verify the claimed stressors and determine if there is a link between the veteran's psychiatric disorders and his military service.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD with depression was rated at 30 percent prior to October 12, 2001 and granted a higher rating of 50 percent from that date.

The Board has found that the veteran's PTSD is service-connected due to combat exposure in Vietnam.

The Board has granted service connection for pulmonary arterial hypertension and pulmonary embolism as secondary to PTSD. However, the evidence does not support a finding of primary pulmonary hypertension or chronic pulmonary embolism.

The VA has granted a disability rating of 70 percent for PTSD effective December 19, 2003, based on severe occupational and social impairment.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent disabling, reflecting significant impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied as there is no evidence of a verified stressor or other verifiable event including claimed physical assault during her period of active service.

The veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board has determined that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD was granted an increased rating to 70 percent effective February 11, 2003.,The veteran also received a grant of TDIU based on his PTSD and left knee disability.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of April 4, 1997 for a 100% disability rating for PTSD. The RO had previously granted service connection and a 50% rating in February 1998, which was increased to 100% in July 2003.

The veteran's appeals for increased ratings for PTSD have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his appeal.

The Board has reopened the appellant's claim as to whether his character of discharge is a bar to VA benefits due to new evidence showing he was insane at the time of offenses leading to his OTH discharge. The appellant's service record shows multiple infractions, but also indicates that his service was otherwise honest and meritorious.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is service-connected due to a confirmed stressor he encountered in Vietnam.