PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2007

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for PTSD and a total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disability. The effective date for the award of service connection for PTSD was not granted as it came after one year from discharge.

The Board found that the veteran did not engage in combat and thus could not establish service connection for PTSD based on a verified in-service stressor. The veteran's reported stressors were deemed insufficient to corroborate by his own testimony alone.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD as there was no verified in-service stressor and his diagnosis is based on unverified events.

The Board has granted an initial rating of 70 percent for the veteran's service-connected PTSD, reflecting its severity.

The Board has determined that the appellant is not entitled to DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 as the veteran did not have a service-connected disability rated as totally disabling for at least 10 years prior to his death.

The Board has ordered further development due to the nature of the veteran's claim involving a personal assault. The case is being remanded for clarification and verification of stressor events, as well as for a VA psychiatric examination.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a TDIU was denied as the VA determined that his service-connected PTSD, which became effective on October 19, 2000, was more significant in determining his unemployability than his lower back disability.

The Board found that the veteran's PTSD symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher initial rating beyond 50 percent.

The Board has remanded the case due to recent contentions raised by the veteran and his representative, requiring additional evidentiary development. The appeal is currently in remand status.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is service-connected as it was incurred during his active duty in Vietnam.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development due to incomplete medical records and missing Social Security Administration disability records.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, depression, anxiety, and tinnitus. The VA examiner found no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The veteran's PTSD was initially rated at 30 percent prior to March 8, 2004 and increased to 50 percent thereafter.

The veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, the highest available rating under the applicable criteria. The evidence does not show that his PTSD more closely approximates a higher evaluation.

The VA determined that the veteran's PTSD does not meet or approximate the criteria for a schedular evaluation in excess of 70 percent, as his symptoms do not warrant such a rating.

The veteran is seeking an earlier effective date for his service-connected PTSD, which was initially granted on June 7, 2000. The Board has ordered the RO to review all available treatment records and reconsider the case.

The veteran's claim for PTSD was denied as she did not have a current diagnosis of PTSD.,Service connection for schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders were also denied, with the Board noting that these conditions first manifested approximately two and a half years after service.

The Board has granted an effective date of June 1, 1987 for the grant of service connection for PTSD. The veteran's PTSD symptoms during the period from February 11, 1993 to June 21, 1995 did not warrant a rating in excess of 30 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and is not related to service. The veteran's diabetes mellitus requires insulin but does not result in regulation of his activities. Therefore, a rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus is denied. The veteran's only service-connected disability is diabetes mellitus, evaluated as 20 percent disabling. As the veteran has work experience and can engage in employment consistent with his education and occupational experience, a total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disability is also denied. An effective date of October 25, 2002, for the award of special monthly compensation based on loss of use of a creative organ is granted.

The Board found that the veteran's hepatitis C was not incurred in or aggravated by his military service and denied his claim for service connection. The PTSD issue is being remanded due to insufficient evidence.