PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2007

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to new evidence received by the Board. The case will be returned after compliance with required procedures.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD has been found to warrant a higher initial rating of 70 percent.

The veteran's claims for an increased evaluation for PTSD, service connection for erectile dysfunction as secondary to a service-connected disorder, and service connection for a respiratory disorder were denied. The claim to reopen the issue of service connection for a back disorder was also denied due to lack of new and material evidence.

The veteran requested withdrawal of his appeal for a higher initial evaluation for PTSD, and the Board dismissed the claim as a result.

The veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected PTSD prior to August 7, 1995 was denied. The effective date of the 100 percent rating for PTSD is set at August 7, 2001.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD and determined that new evidence supports a diagnosis of PTSD related to in-service stressors. The lumbar spine disorder is found to be secondary to the service-connected right ankle disability, with an opinion indicating a 50% or better probability that the current condition was caused by the April 2005 fall injury.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and a compensable rating for residuals of a left mandible fracture, finding no evidence to support these claims.

The veteran seeks service connection for PTSD, claiming it was caused by his service aboard the USS Intrepid during the Vietnam War. The Board finds that additional development is needed to locate medical records documenting the diagnosis of PTSD and determine if there is a link between current symptoms and verified stressors.

The Board has granted a 70 percent rating for PTSD from February 12, 1998 to May 15, 2000 and awarded TDIU effective May 16, 2000. The case is remanded for further action on the earlier effective date claim.

For the period from November 19, 1998 through May 23, 2001, the veteran's service-connected PTSD was manifested by symptoms such as nightmares, flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, depression, anxiety, mood swings, and social isolation. The disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating than 30 percent.

The veteran's PTSD was rated at 50% prior to March 2003, but granted a 70% rating since then.,GERD was initially assigned a noncompensable rating.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD is found to be the proximate cause of his polysubstance dependence, and he has been granted secondary service connection for this condition. The issue of an increased rating for PTSD remains pending.

The veteran's claim for PTSD is granted, but the claim regarding his melanoma of the ear related to Agent Orange exposure remains pending. The Board found new and material evidence in the case.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and clarifying the examiner's opinion regarding the personal assault claim. The new claim of service connection for acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD (claimed as bipolar disorder and depression) is also being considered.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed left knee disorder and PTSD were not incurred or aggravated by service, as there is no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to verify the veteran's claimed stressors and determine if he meets the criteria for PTSD related to his service.

The Board has remanded the case to further develop evidence regarding the veteran's claimed PTSD, including verifying in-service stressors and conducting a VA examination.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating of PTSD was denied because he failed to report for a scheduled VA examination without good cause.

The VA has determined that the veteran's PTSD symptoms, including depression and anxiety, are moderately severe but do not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development due to incomplete records and the need for further medical examinations.