PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2007

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD and depression are not service-connected, but other disabilities have been granted effective from November 26, 2003.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 100% rating for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder remains in appellate status as the RO has changed the effective date to October 30, 1995.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his PTSD is being remanded due to the failure to afford him a hearing and because there are treatment records that have not been obtained.

The Board found that there is no credible supporting evidence verifying the occurrence of the veteran's claimed in-service stressor, and thus denied his claim for service connection for PTSD.

The veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since his service connection was granted. The symptoms include nightmares, flashbacks, irritability, and avoidance of crowds, but do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for PTSD and exposure to Agent Orange, finding that there is no current disability related to these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and verifying a claimed stressor event. The veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD will be reconsidered based on the additional evidence.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary to reconcile conflicting diagnoses and address the veteran's reported stressors. The case is remanded for additional development.

The Board has determined that the service-connected PTSD did not substantially or materially contribute to the cause of the veteran's death. The VA and private medical records do not show a causal link between the veteran's PTSD and his cardiovascular disease, which was found to be caused by other risk factors such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and obesity.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD, finding that no new and material evidence was submitted between final denials and the reopened claim.

The VA determined that the veteran's PTSD does not meet the criteria for a higher initial rating beyond the currently assigned 50 percent.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, when considered in isolation, have not been shown to be of such severity as to preclude substantially gainful employment. The criteria for a TDIU have not been met.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and a new examination.

The veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is supported by a diagnosis of PTSD, credible evidence of in-service stressors, and medical evidence linking the current symptoms to those stressors. The Board has determined that the criteria for a grant of service connection have been met.

The veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for his service-connected PTSD with major depressive disorder is being remanded to the RO for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new psychiatric examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD warranted a 50 percent rating prior to March 6, 2006, and in excess of 50 percent thereafter. The effective date remains pending as it is not addressed in this decision.

The Board has granted a 100 percent rating for the veteran's PTSD, finding that his disability results in nearly total occupational and social impairment.

Service connection for PTSD was denied due to lack of verified combat participation and stressor events. The claim for increased ratings for headaches, right knee chondromalacia, and left knee chondromalacia were also denied as the criteria for a compensable rating prior to October 26, 2004, and a rating in excess of 30 percent after that date have not been met.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus and PTSD. The veteran's claimed stressors were not verified, and the evidence did not support a finding of combat involvement.

The veteran's PTSD was granted a 30% evaluation from July 1, 2002 to August 31, 2004 and a 50% evaluation since September 1, 2004.