PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2007

The Board has requested a video conference hearing due to the veteran's inability to travel for his scheduled Board hearing in Washington, D.C. The case is being remanded back to the RO for further action.

The Board has determined that an effective date prior to January 31, 2007 for the award of compensation based on the need for aid and attendance for the veteran's spouse is denied.

The Board found that the veteran does not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran's PTSD was initially rated at 30 percent prior to October 18, 2006. The rating was increased to 50 percent effective October 18, 2006.

The veteran's service-connected lung cancer requires ongoing treatment at the Billings Clinic, which is closer and less stressful for his PTSD than the VAMC in Fort Harrison.

The veteran's PTSD with alcohol abuse was rated at 50 percent prior to September 13, 2005.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Travel Board hearing. The issues of service connection for psychiatric disorders, low back disability, and skin rash are pending.

The veteran's appeal for higher ratings and a total disability rating based on service-connected conditions has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for further development and consideration due to procedural issues. The claims are related to service connection for the cause of death and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1318.

The veteran seeks service connection for schizophrenia and PTSD, claiming these conditions are related to an incident involving a faulty valve on the USS RANGER in November 1983. The case is being remanded due to incomplete documentation regarding this incident.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical examination and failure to comply with instructions in a previous remand. The veteran's PTSD claim is being returned for further development.

The Board has granted a higher initial rating for PTSD from October 14, 1999. The claim for service connection for the back disability is reopened and it is determined that the veteran's current degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is due to an in-service injury.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the veteran does not have PTSD and therefore, service connection for PTSD is denied.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from engaging in substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, and Major Depression are not service-connected due to lack of credible evidence supporting a personal assault during active duty.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and bilateral pes planus, finding that there was no credible supporting evidence of in-service stressors or aggravation, respectively.

The Board has granted a 50 percent rating for the veteran's service-connected PTSD, which is more than the initially assigned 30 percent rating. The evidence shows significant social dysfunction due to depression, avoidance tendencies, and frequent panic attacks.

The Board has determined that additional development is required to establish a link between the veteran's PTSD and an in-service stressor. The case is therefore REMANDED for further action.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development due to procedural issues, including providing proper VCAA notice and considering the new and material evidence criteria since August 29, 2001.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not suffer from PTSD and therefore, service connection for PTSD is denied.