PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2007

The Board found that the veteran's current psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, are not related to his military service and were present prior to enlistment. The Board denied the claim for service connection.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records from Atascadero State Hospital, and the claim will be reconsidered based on this new information.

The Board has determined that service connection is not warranted for PTSD due to the lack of credible supporting evidence of an in-service stressor.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is service-connected based on his combat experience in Vietnam.

The veteran's PTSD symptoms were manifested by occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks from June 3, 2002 to March 21, 2007. The RO denied the claim for a higher rating for PTSD.

The veteran's PTSD is currently manifested by symptoms of depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and chronic sleep impairment. The initial rating of 30 percent for PTSD prior to November 9, 2004, is granted.

The veteran's request for a hearing before the Board has been rescheduled due to his inability to attend the original hearing date because of severe weather. The case is being remanded back to the RO or AMC for further action.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and records.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his PTSD, more nearly approximate a level of overall impairment that results in him being precluded from performing substantially gainful employment consistent with his previous educational and occupational background. The claim for TDIU is therefore granted.

The Board has determined that there is no competent evidence of record showing a current diagnosis of PTSD related to verified stressors in service, and the veteran's claim for service connection for Hepatitis C cannot be granted as there is no competent medical evidence establishing a nexus between currently diagnosed hepatitis C and military service.

The veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD has been reopened based on the submission of new and material evidence. However, his diagnosis of PTSD is not supported by verified in-service stressors, and therefore, service connection cannot be established.

The VA determined that the veteran's PTSD does not warrant a rating higher than 70 percent, as it only causes deficiencies in most areas.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA psychiatric examination to determine if the veteran has PTSD related to his combat stressors. If other diagnoses are found, the examiner should also provide an opinion on their relation to service.

The veteran's service-connected bipolar disorder is rated at 50 percent, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

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

The veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 10 percent, and the RO granted an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for PTSD. The other claims were either denied or not addressed.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining verification of claimed stressors and providing an audiologist examination to determine if current hearing loss is related to service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development and consideration of his claim for an increased evaluation for PTSD.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the death of the appellant.

The VA has determined that the veteran's PTSD warrants a 50 percent evaluation, which is the maximum available under current rating criteria.