PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2007

The VA has determined that the veteran's PTSD does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation since March 12, 2002. The evidence shows symptoms consistent with a 30 percent rating.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to procedural defects and inextricably intertwined issues.

The Board denied service connection for dizziness, depression, and PTSD. The veteran's claims were not supported by evidence linking the conditions to his military service.

The Board has ordered a VA examination to determine if the veteran currently suffers from PTSD and whether there is a link between their current symptoms and in-service stressors. The case will be returned for further review.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD cannot be granted as there is no credible supporting evidence of a claimed stressor, and therefore, the preponderance of the evidence does not support the claim.

The Board has determined that additional development is required to determine the current nature and etiology of the veteran's psychiatric disorders, including whether they are related to his military service.

The veteran's PTSD causes significant impairment, but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The VA has awarded a 70 percent evaluation for post-traumatic stress disorder, which is the maximum schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 9411.

The Board has denied the veteran's application to reopen his claim of service connection for PTSD, finding that new and material evidence does not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim.

The Board found no credible evidence supporting the veteran's claimed stressors and concluded that there is insufficient information to verify them. As a result, the claim for service connection for PTSD was denied.

The Board denied service connection for both the acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) and the residuals of a hernia operation, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for PTSD, allowing the veteran's original claim to be considered on its merits.

The veteran's PTSD causes significant impairment in his ability to function socially and occupationally, warranting a 10 percent disability rating.

The appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records and an updated examination. The veteran's PTSD symptoms may have worsened since his last evaluation in June 2003.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for chronic post-traumatic stress disorder, hypertension, body scars (secondary to service-connected lumbosacral strain with herniated nucleus pulposus, status post hemilaminectomy), and arthritis (claimed as secondary) have been denied. The evidence submitted does not meet the standard for constituting new or material evidence.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD because there was no credible supporting evidence that the claimed in-service stressors occurred.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations of PTSD, back injury residuals, and radiculopathy of the lower extremities were denied. The initial evaluation for PTSD was found not to meet criteria for an evaluation in excess of 30 percent. For the period prior to September 26, 2003, the back injury residuals did not warrant a rating higher than 40 percent. On and after September 26, 2003, the radiculopathy claims were also denied.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected PTSD was granted, with a 50% disability rating effective June 30, 2003.

The Board has determined that service connection is not warranted for PTSD, arthritis of the right hand, hypertension, bilateral shoulder disability, bilateral knee disability, or left ankle disability.,An additional VA examination may be necessary to address the etiology of the veteran's hypertension.

The VA determined that the veteran's PTSD is currently manifested by serious, but not severe symptomatology and does not warrant a rating in excess of 50 percent.