PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2007

The veteran's service-connected PTSD has resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50% disability evaluation.

The Board has granted an effective date of June 10, 1998 for the award of service connection for PTSD.

The veteran's service connection claims for a skin disorder, throat disorder, gastrointestinal disorder, and liver disorder were denied. The claim for diabetes mellitus was granted based on presumed exposure to Agent Orange.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including verification of in-service stressors and VA examinations.

The veteran's PTSD was initially rated at 50 percent prior to July 31, 2006. The rating was increased to 70 percent effective July 31, 2006.

The veteran is entitled to payment or reimbursement for unauthorized medical services at Charlotte Regional Medical Center (CRMC) on July 19, 2005 due to the severity and urgency of his symptoms.,However, he is not entitled to payment or reimbursement for unauthorized medical services at Peace River Regional Medical Center (PRRMC) on September 17, 2005 as VA facilities were feasibly available.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a right shoulder disability and PTSD. The claim for right shoulder disability was reopened, but no new evidence supported the diagnosis of PTSD.

The veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent, reflecting significant impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The VA has determined that the veteran's PTSD warrants a rating of 50 percent, reflecting reduced reliability and productivity due to symptoms such as sleep disturbance, nightmares, hypervigilance, social isolation, avoidance of reminders, mood swings, and occasional suicidal ideation.

The veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board finds that his symptoms warrant a higher rating to 100 percent.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and the need for further verification of certain details. The veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD remains under review.

The veteran's PTSD was initially rated at 30 percent prior to February 11, 2004. Effective from that date, the VA determined a higher evaluation of 50 percent is warranted.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to fully and fairly consider the veteran's claims for service connection, including obtaining relevant medical records and confirming in-service stressors.

The veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional vocational rehabilitation records and proper VCAA notice.

The veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied as the claimed in-service stressors could not be verified.

The Board has determined that service connection is not warranted for any of the claimed disabilities.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a diagnosis of PTSD that conforms to DSM-IV criteria, and therefore service connection for PTSD is denied.

The VA denied the veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD, concluding that there is no evidence to support a diagnosis of PTSD and finding that any current psychiatric disorder is not related to his military service.

The veteran's endometriosis and PTSD were granted service connection, with a 10 percent evaluation for endometriosis and increased to 70 percent for PTSD effective January 31, 2006. The appeal regarding the lumbar spine condition is pending.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have PTSD, and his current psychiatric condition is related to a pre-existing disorder. The claim for service connection for PTSD is denied.