PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2007

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records from Dr. Reed and Letterman Army Medical Center.

The Board found no evidence of a current diagnosis of PTSD and denied the veteran's claim for service connection. The hearing loss and tinnitus issues are remanded for further examination.

The Board found that the veteran's tinnitus was not incurred in service and denied his claim for service connection. For PTSD, the Board determined that the evidence did not support a higher rating than 50 percent.

The veteran's PTSD has been linked to his major depressive disorder, which has been found to be moderately severe in degree. The Board has determined that the most appropriate initial evaluation for PTSD is 50 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is service-connected based on credible supporting evidence of in-service stressors. Service connection for diabetes mellitus, Type II and its secondary effects (impotence, heart disease, hypercholesterolemia) are also granted. The toe amputation claim is denied.

The Board found that the October 1996 rating decision denying service connection for PTSD was not a product of clear and unmistakable error.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further investigation and examination due to insufficient verification of the veteran's reported stressors. The claim will be reconsidered after these steps are completed.

The veteran's appeals for service connection and increased disability ratings have been withdrawn. The Board has also dismissed the claims of service connection for hearing loss, post-traumatic stress disorder, gout, and arthritis affecting both thumbs.

The VA determined that the veteran does not have an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD or anxiety disorder, of service origin.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected disabilities, primarily PTSD and hearing loss, have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance due to his inability to dress or undress himself, requiring supervision for bathing and attending to the wants of nature, and needing care on a regular basis to protect him from hazards. The decision grants special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board found that the veteran's alleged in-service stressor, which included sexual assault during service, could not be verified. As a result, the claim for PTSD was denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records from Social Security Administration and needs further development.

The veteran is seeking a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities. The Board has ordered additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting an examination.

Before January 20, 2004, the veteran's post-traumatic stress disorder was manifested by symptoms such as anxiety, sleep disturbance, depression, and irritability. The disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,From January 20, 2004, the veteran's post-traumatic stress disorder was manifested by symptoms including intrusive memories of Vietnam, anger, social isolation, guilt, nightmares, flashbacks, avoidance, startled response, and detachment. These symptoms were considered to be insufficient to warrant a higher rating.

The Board found that the veteran's PTSD is manifested by no more than an occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks, warranting a rating of 30 percent. The February 17, 1970, decision establishing service connection for the residuals of a shell fragment wound to the lower back was not found to be clearly and unmistakably erroneous.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding a verified stressor for PTSD. The veteran's claim will be reconsidered after further development, including obtaining morning reports and conducting an examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and bilateral hearing loss with occasional tinnitus due to lack of credible supporting evidence for the claimed stressors.

The Board has determined that the preponderance of evidence is against the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, and thus the appeal is denied.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional relevant evidence, including VA outpatient mental health treatment records and a new VA examination. The goal is to determine if the veteran's PTSD warrants a higher disability rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD cannot be granted as there is no credible supporting evidence to verify his report of an in-service stressor.