PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2007

The veteran is seeking service connection for diabetes mellitus, a heart disorder, and PTSD all secondary to exposure during Project 112. The case has been remanded due to the need for further examination in accordance with VHA Directive 2004-016.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have post-traumatic stress disorder due to an in-service stressor and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.

The VA determined that the veteran's PTSD warrants a disability rating of 30 percent, effective February 24, 2003.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine if the veteran's current substance abuse disorder is secondary to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has decided that the veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD should be remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the claimed stressor and behavioral changes.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and a low back condition, finding that the veteran's claims were not supported by credible evidence of in-service stressors or combat experience.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD. The veteran's PTSD is now considered a possible result of in-service stressors.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection and TDIU ratings, finding that the earliest possible effective date was September 7, 1999.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD is rated at 50 percent, and the Board has granted a rating of 70 percent. The issue of TDIU rating remains pending.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD. The case is REMANDED for further development.

The veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the unavailability of his service medical records and the need for additional information from him. The VA will seek to obtain alternate sources of records, including private psychiatric examination.

The Board finds that the veteran's PTSD is due to stressors he experienced in service, including combat events. Therefore, service connection for PTSD is granted.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD and a left hip disability are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining more recent medical records and scheduling VA examinations.

The VA denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for postoperative duodenal ulcer residuals and PTSD. The RO found that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on current symptoms.

The veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent disabling from initial entitlement, effective May 1, 2001. The rating was increased to 50 percent on August 4, 2004.

The veteran's PTSD is found to be etiologically related to his confirmed in-service stressor, and the Board finds that he has a valid claim for service connection.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for VA examinations to assess his PTSD and diabetes mellitus. The TDIU claim will also be reconsidered in light of the new evidence.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current PTSD is of service origin and grants service connection for PTSD.

The Board found that the veteran did not engage in combat with an enemy and thus, his claim for service connection for PTSD was denied due to insufficient evidence of a verified stressor. The case is now REMANDED for further development.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary due to the lack of verification for the veteran's claimed PTSD stressors.