PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2007

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the award of a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability due to PTSD alone, finding that the veteran was not shown to be unemployable due to service-connected disabilities alone prior to May 16, 1995.

The Board found that the preponderance of the evidence did not support a finding of PTSD, and thus denied service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted the veteran's increased initial rating for his PTSD to 70 percent effective September 1, 2005. The veteran seeks an earlier effective date and higher ratings for his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has determined that service connection is not warranted for the veteran's claimed diabetes mellitus and PTSD. The claim for diabetes mellitus was denied due to lack of evidence showing a link between the condition and active duty, while the claim for PTSD will be remanded as it involves an issue of in-service stressors.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection of PTSD and granted it, based on new evidence showing a diagnosis of PTSD related to his military service in Korea.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including notification of new and material evidence requirements and retrieval of service medical records.

The Board has granted an initial rating of 30 percent for PTSD effective from August 30, 2004. The claim for an earlier effective date is denied as the veteran's original claim was received on or after August 30, 2004.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and assigned a 20 percent rating for degenerative disc and joint disease of the lumbar spine. The other claims are pending further development.

The Board found that the veteran does not currently suffer from PTSD and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, which was previously denied in May 2001. The veteran provided additional statements and testimony regarding alleged stressors during his military service.

The veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been reopened and granted. The appeals for hearing loss disability and atrophic dermatitis and xerodermatitis have been withdrawn.

The veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to December 27, 2004 was denied as the evidence did not show he was unable to work due to service-connected disabilities before that date.

The Board has determined that the veteran did not engage in combat with the enemy and therefore, his claims for service connection for PTSD cannot be granted based on verified in-service stressors.

The veteran's request for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to his preference for a videoconference hearing.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the merits of the veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The RO must verify the claimed in-service stressor and request relevant records from depositories.

The VA determined that the veteran's PTSD most nearly approximates occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks, warranting a 30 percent disability rating.

The Board has determined that a bilateral foot disorder was not manifested in service or arthritis within the first postservice year, and is not shown to be related to the veteran's active service. Therefore, service connection for a bilateral foot disorder is denied.

The VA determined that there is no competent medical evidence of PTSD, and thus denied the veteran's claim for service connection.

The VA denied a higher rating for PTSD, finding that the veteran's symptoms do not warrant a rating in excess of 30 percent.