PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2007

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and granted it, finding that new evidence supports a diagnosis of PTSD related to an in-service stressor.

The VA has denied an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for the veteran's PTSD, finding that his symptoms do not warrant a higher evaluation based on current criteria.

The veteran's claims for PTSD and diabetes mellitus due to Agent Orange exposure were denied. The reduction of the hearing loss rating from 60% to noncompensable was upheld.

The veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder, PTSD, and a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss are being remanded due to new evidence submitted after the July 2007 Travel Board hearing. An examination is needed to determine the etiology of his back disorder, verify a stressor event related to PTSD, and obtain an audiological evaluation.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is related to his active service, and therefore grants service connection for PTSD.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and TDIU, effective May 25, 1993. The veteran's original claim was denied in February 1990 but he did not receive the decision until August 1991. As a result, an earlier effective date of October 16, 1989 is granted for PTSD.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is service-connected, with evidence indicating a diagnosis of PTSD related to in-service sexual and assaultive traumas.

The veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses at a non-VA rehabilitation facility from May 18, 2005 until June 20, 2005 was denied as he did not meet the eligibility criteria under VA regulations.

The Board has determined that an examination is necessary to determine the current level of severity of the veteran's service-connected PTSD. The claim for a higher rating will be remanded for further proceedings.

The veteran's PTSD was evaluated at 50% prior to February 14, 2004.,From February 14, 2004 through September 15, 2005, the evaluation increased to 70%. However, no increase in evaluation has been granted for a period beginning on September 16, 2005.

The veteran's PTSD was found to not warrant a rating in excess of 30 percent prior to January 28, 1997.

The VA granted an initial 30 percent rating for PTSD effective from May 17, 2002. In October 2004, the rating was increased to 70 percent and remains in effect since then.

The Board found no evidence of PTSD or major depression during service, and the veteran's current diagnoses are not related to his military service. The claim for reopening a psychiatric disorder is dismissed as moot.

Service connection for coronary artery disease is granted as secondary to service-connected PTSD. The veteran's PTSD remains at a 30 percent rating.

The Board has ordered the case to be remanded for further action, including verifying the veteran's reported in-service PTSD stressors and re-adjudicating his claim.

The Board has ordered further medical examination and opinion to determine if the veteran's current psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, are related to his military service. The case is remanded for these actions.

The veteran's PTSD and major depressive disorder have been granted, but do not meet the criteria for a higher initial disability rating.

The Board has granted the veteran's application to reopen a previously denied claim for service connection for PTSD, based on new evidence submitted.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected PTSD remains under review. The RO has granted a 30 percent rating effective May 30, 2003, but the veteran contends that his condition warrants an even higher rating due to worsening symptoms.

The veteran's claim for an increased initial rating in excess of 30 percent for his service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder is being remanded for further development, including a VA psychiatric examination and clarification on representation.