PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2007

The Board has granted an increased rating for PTSD to 50 percent, effective from August 13, 2003. The claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU remains unresolved.

The veteran's claim for PTSD was denied, but his hemorrhoids were granted a 10% evaluation. The decision is mixed as it addresses both issues.

Since July 11, 2003, the veteran's PTSD has been manifested by depression, insomnia, nightmares, anxiety, irritability, avoidance, and hypervigilance. The VA determined that his disability level is consistent with a 30 percent rating.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and skin cancer, finding no credible evidence of in-service stressors or disease.

The veteran is seeking an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD and also challenges a January 1982 rating decision that denied service connection. The case is being remanded to allow further development and consideration.

The veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the lack of compliance with the Board's previous instructions. The case will be re-adjudicated after a VA examination.

The veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent disabling, and the claim for an increased rating has been granted.

The Board found that the veteran did not engage in combat and there was no verified in-service stressor. Therefore, service connection for PTSD is denied.

The Board has granted a 70 percent disability rating for the veteran's PTSD, effective from July 1, 2006. The decision also addressed his TDIU claim but is pending in the REMAND portion.

The Board has remanded the case for further development of evidence, specifically to verify the veteran's in-service stressors related to PTSD.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral tinnitus is currently rated at a maximum of 10 percent, which is the highest rating available under VA's Rating Schedule. The Board has determined that separate ratings for each ear are not warranted due to the interpretation of the regulations as of June 13, 2003.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an initial increased disability rating of greater than 10 percent for PTSD prior to February 22, 2005. The evidence did not demonstrate occupational or social impairment that would warrant a higher rating.

The Board denied reopening the claim for service connection for lumbosacral strain and denied an evaluation in excess of 50 percent for PTSD. The appellant's PTSD is primarily manifested by intrusive memories, social withdrawal, and irritability without significant workplace impairment.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD with associated anxiety reaction was denied, and his claims for initial ratings higher than 10 percent effective in February 2001, and higher than 20 percent effective April 2, 2004, for diabetes mellitus, type II were also denied. The veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for PTSD, which was previously denied in November 1995. The veteran's claims file includes VA records showing consideration of a possible diagnosis of PTSD.

The veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral plantar warts are being remanded due to outstanding VA and private medical records.

The Board found that the cause of death was not related to service-connected conditions and denied DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 due to lack of a 10-year or five-year period of total disability rating for a service-connected condition.

The veteran's claims for PTSD, prostate disability, stomach disability, and arthritis are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and opinion.

The veteran is seeking service connection for PTSD, diverticulitis, and anal pain. The case has been remanded to obtain additional medical records from the St. Albans Naval Hospital in Brooklyn, New York.

The veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including post-traumatic stress disorder and depression, is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records.