PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2007

The case is being remanded to the RO for further action regarding a higher disability rating for PTSD, including consideration of an extraschedular evaluation.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that there was no credible evidence to support his claimed in-service stressors and thus failing to meet the essential criterion of a verified stressor.

The Board found that the veteran does not currently suffer from PTSD related to his military service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent disabling effective July 13, 2004.

The veteran has lost the use of his right hand and foot due to peripheral neuropathy, qualifying him for special monthly compensation. He is also eligible for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile or adaptive equipment and specially adapted housing.

The Board found new and material evidence to reopen the claim, but denied service connection for PTSD as there was no verifiable in-service stressor.

The veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and SSA records. A VA psychiatric examination is also required.

The veteran's PTSD was granted service connection and assigned a 50 percent rating effective January 17, 2003. The appeal is for an increased rating.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the appellant's claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death. Service connection is granted as PTSD played a material causal role in the veteran's death.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for verification of stressors related to PTSD and additional development of private treatment records.

The veteran's service-connected conditions do not render her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, which reflects moderate social and occupational impairment.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The VA examiner found the veteran had some impairment in short term memory and concentration, but not meeting criteria for a higher rating for PTSD. Service connection was denied for chronic sinus disorder, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic sleep disorder, chronic skin disorder (presumed due to Agent Orange exposure), and bilateral knee/arm disorders.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the veteran's symptoms align with the diagnosis of PTSD and that his combat experience in Vietnam is sufficient to establish a link between his current condition and his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient verification of the veteran's claimed stressors. The RO is instructed to obtain additional information from USACRUR regarding the veteran's reported incidents in Vietnam and re-evaluate his claim for service connection for PTSD.

The Board found no evidence of hearing loss or PTSD during service, and the veteran did not engage in combat. The VA examiner could not determine if current bilateral hearing loss or PTSD is related to service without resorting to speculation.

The Board has granted a 100 percent disability rating for the veteran's PTSD since the initial grant of service connection, finding that his unemployability due to PTSD meets the criteria for such a rating.

The veteran is seeking service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder, which he claims was caused by a personal assault during his military service. The VA has been asked to obtain additional personnel records and psychiatric evaluations to determine if the veteran's PTSD is related to this in-service event.

The veteran's PTSD resulted in severe impairment in his ability to establish and maintain effective relationships, warranting a 30 percent evaluation from September 5, 2002.