PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2007

The Board found that the veteran does not have post-traumatic stress disorder, pre-existing bilateral hearing loss did not increase in severity during service, and there is no evidence of a current skin rash or peripheral neuropathy related to herbicide exposure. The veteran's pre-existing hearing impairment was considered to be aggravated by service.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus and post-traumatic stress disorder were denied as the symptoms do not warrant a higher rating.

The veteran's claims for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include a dysthymic disorder, are being remanded due to the need to verify his claimed stressor involving the death of a fellow serviceman in 1971. A new VA examination will be conducted if the stressor is verified.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder and granted it, finding that new evidence supports a current diagnosis of PTSD related to his military service.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD, finding that his condition does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that there was no verified in-service stressor and thus not meeting the criteria for service connection.

The veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted. The claims for bone cancer, liver cancer, colon cancer, and skin cancer/malignant melanoma, all claimed as secondary to Agent Orange exposure, are dismissed without prejudice.

The Board has granted a 100 percent disability rating for the veteran's service-connected PTSD effective from June 29, 1999.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a new VA PTSD examination and consideration of 'staged' ratings. The TDIU claim is also being considered.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and consideration, including obtaining additional medical records and arranging for a VA psychiatric examination.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus were denied. The claim for a total rating based on individual unemployability was also denied.

The veteran's claim of entitlement to an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for PTSD is being remanded due to the submission of additional medical evidence not previously considered by the RO.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is a result of an in-service stressful incident and grants service connection for PTSD.

The Board granted service connection for PTSD and assigned a 30 percent evaluation, effective April 18, 2002. The veteran's symptoms prior to November 2, 2004 did not meet the criteria for an increased rating.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA respiratory examination and further corroboration of the reported stressor for PTSD. The case will be returned to the Board once these steps are completed.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The claim to reopen a left shoulder disability was granted, but the evidence does not establish that the current condition is related to military service.

The Board found that there is no medical evidence to establish the veteran has PTSD, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has granted a 100 percent rating for PTSD effective March 4, 2004 and found that the veteran's symptoms since December 5, 2001 have resulted in total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is service-connected, resolving reasonable doubt in his favor.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for VCAA notice and additional development of his treatment records.