PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2007

The veteran's claims for PTSD, psoriasis, and dermatitis are being remanded due to incomplete medical records and lack of proper VCAA notice.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including providing VCAA-compliant notice to the veteran regarding his claims for a higher initial rating for PTSD and for a TDIU.

The veteran's appeal involves two issues: the assignment of an earlier effective date for a 100% disability rating for PTSD, and whether pension compensation benefits were improperly deducted from his disability compensation. The case is being remanded to ensure compliance with VCAA requirements.

The veteran's PTSD has been manifested by increased irritability, difficulty in interpersonal relationships, including family members, and the need for medication and therapy. The Global Assessment of Functioning scores have ranged from 50 to 55, but the symptoms do not meet criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a VA mental disorder examination and consideration of new evidence submitted by the appellant's mother.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD and service connection for diabetes mellitus, finding that the symptoms did not warrant a higher rating.

The veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy and liver disease due to exposure to Agent Orange is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a hearing. The veteran is advised to provide credible supporting evidence for any claimed stressors that are not combat-related.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder, left hip disorder, and cold injury residuals (to include a skin disorder) due to lack of current diagnoses or evidence linking these conditions to military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development including a VA mental disorders examination and notification to ensure compliance with 38 U.S.C.A. § 5103(a) and 38 C.F.R. § 3.159.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further examination and readjudication due to conflicting medical opinions regarding the etiology of his current PTSD symptoms.

The Board has determined that the criteria for an effective date of June 8, 1994 for the grant of service connection for PTSD are met.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the veteran's PTSD and hepatitis C claims. The veteran will need a VA examination for both conditions.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for necrotizing myofascial infection of the left upper extremity.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD. The Board also found credible supporting evidence of the claimed in-service stressors, leading to a determination that PTSD was incurred in active service.

The veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since June 19, 2003, based on occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The veteran withdrew his appeal for an increased rating for aphakia of the left eye with loss of vision prior to the Board's decision. The remaining issues of increased ratings for PTSD and residuals of a fracture of the left ankle are remanded.

The veteran withdrew his appeals, thus the case is dismissed.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU is denied as his disability was not unemployable prior to October 12, 1999.

The veteran is seeking service connection for PTSD and nonservice-connected pension benefits. The Board has determined that additional development, including a VA examination, is needed to properly adjudicate these claims.