PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2007

The veteran seeks service connection for PTSD, which he claims is related to his military service in Vietnam. The VA has requested verification of the alleged stressor involving a barracks being destroyed and killing several coworkers and colleagues. A VA examination will be conducted to determine if the veteran currently has PTSD and what verified stressors form its basis.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, hypertension (secondary to diabetes mellitus), right foot injury, right ankle injury, right hip injury, bilateral hearing loss, and bilateral vision loss.

The veteran's claim for increased ratings for burn scars of the left lower leg, scars on head, face and ears, scars of right hand, scars of left hand, and PTSD is being remanded due to insufficient evidence. Additional records are needed from the VA Vet Center in Norwich and a new examination is required.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and found that the veteran's migraine headaches are not related to his military service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for a Travel Board hearing. The issues of service connection for vertigo and PTSD will be addressed after the hearing.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to PTSD, finding that there was no evidence of unemployability prior to March 28, 2003.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD, finding that his condition did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation based on the severity of his symptoms.

The veteran's PTSD was evaluated at 10 percent, which reflects mild or transient symptoms that decrease work efficiency and ability to perform occupational tasks only during periods of significant stress. The other claims were either granted with compensable evaluations or service connection established.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for service connection of PTSD, finding no competent medical evidence linking his PTSD to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for further development, including a VA medical examination and correction of VCAA notice. The veteran's claims for an increased evaluation for PTSD and TDIU are pending.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for PTSD and a cervical spine disability need further development, including obtaining verification of his in-service stressors and scheduling him for specialized examinations. The case is being remanded to allow these steps.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD, finding that the earliest possible effective date is February 18, 1992.

The veteran seeks TDIU based on service-connected PTSD. The case is remanded for additional VA examination and development of medical records.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and did not assign a rating for his bilateral hearing loss, as both issues were addressed separately.

The Board found that the veteran does not have PTSD and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including verifying stressors and obtaining a VA psychiatric examination.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD is manifested by occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent disability rating.

The veteran's claim for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder and Type II diabetes mellitus is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and review of medical records.

The Board found that the veteran does not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is incurred in active service due to verified stressors during his time in Vietnam.