PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2007

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD is dismissed as it is a free-standing claim and not based on CUE in a final rating decision.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been presented to reopen the veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD, as the additional evidence does not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim (a diagnosis of PTSD).

The veteran's PTSD does not cause occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a rating in excess of 30 percent.

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

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation than 30 percent.

The Board has determined that there is no current medical diagnosis of PTSD, and thus the claim for service connection for PTSD was denied. The issue of hepatitis C remains pending.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for PTSD. By extending the benefit of doubt, the Board finds that the veteran's PTSD is due to a confirmed in-service stressor and grants service connection.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD results in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent disability rating.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, the highest possible rating under VA guidelines for this disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a vocational assessment.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the veteran's previously denied claim of service connection for PTSD.

The veteran's claim for PTSD is denied as he does not have a current diagnosis of this condition.,The veteran's claims for residuals of exposure to ionizing radiation and asbestos are denied as there is no evidence of such conditions or their connection to service.

The veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has ordered a remand to consider whether additional evidence supports an increase in rating.

The veteran's appeal is remanded due to deficiencies in the VA's duty to assist, including failing to notify him of the information and evidence necessary to substantiate his claim and provide an adequate VA medical examination. The case will be returned for further development.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and there is no evidence of chronic left foot blisters. The claim for service connection for these conditions is denied.

The veteran's post-traumatic stress disorder is productive of occupational and social impairment with difficulty in establishing and maintaining effective work and social relationships, warranting a rating of 50 percent from September 14, 2006.

The Board has granted an effective date of June 14, 1991 for the award of service connection and a 100 percent disability rating for PTSD. The veteran's claim was reopened in 1991, and he is now receiving benefits from that date.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an effective date earlier than February 6, 2001, for service connection of PTSD and a higher initial disability rating for PTSD.

The Board has granted a 100% evaluation for PTSD effective June 11, 2008, based on the severity of symptoms and treatment needs.

The Board has granted service connection for adenomyosis but denied PTSD due to personal assault. The veteran's adenomyosis is considered to have originated during her military service, while the evidence does not support a finding that her PTSD was incurred or aggravated by service.