PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2007

The VA granted service connection for PTSD and assigned a disability rating of 50 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD warrants a 50 percent disability rating effective from July 30, 2006.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 as the veteran did not meet the statutory duration requirements for a total disability rating at the time of death.

The Board has determined that the overpayment of $5,344 was properly created due to a change in the veteran's marital status and did not notify VA of his divorce from his first wife.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is a result of his active service and grants the claim for service connection.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and an initial rating higher than 70 percent for major depressive disorder. The right arm tendonitis claim was granted with a 10% rating effective January 30, 2003, but the left forearm disability remains at a 50% rating.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, effective from January 10, 2002. The rating reflects significant impairment in occupational and social functioning.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is service-connected as it was incurred during his active duty in Vietnam.

The veteran's PTSD is found to be due to combat experiences in Vietnam, warranting service connection.,For his right knee disability, the current rating of 10% is maintained as there is no evidence of moderate instability or flexion/extension limitations.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities (Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, PTSD, Degenerative Disc Disease of the Cervical Spine, Radiculopathy of the Left Shoulder/Arm, Headaches, Hypertension, and Corneal Abrasion of the Right Eye) meet the criteria for a TDIU due to their combined 80% disability rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have PTSD as a result of service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found that the evidence does not support a service connection for PTSD with depression, generalized anxiety and panic attacks due to lack of credible supporting evidence of the stressors.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The veteran's death prevented the issuance of a certificate of eligibility for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile or other conveyance and necessary adaptive equipment, as his claim was pending at the time of his death.

The Board has ordered additional development to determine if the veteran's PTSD contributed to his sudden death from idiopathic cardiomyopathy. The VA psychiatrist who provided an initial opinion will be asked to provide a revised opinion with medical basis for their conclusion.

The Board found that there was no credible evidence to support the occurrence of a claimed in-service stressor, and thus denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD.

The veteran's request for a waiver of overpayment of pension benefits was denied because it was not submitted within the required 180-day period after notice of the indebtedness.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the veteran's diagnosis is linked to a verified in-service stressor of visiting Nazi concentration camps. The claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were denied as there was no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and heart disease are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his service records, including those from his unit at Camp Lejeune. Relevant private treatment records must also be obtained.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding a claimed stressor for PTSD. The veteran served in Vietnam and reported witnessing his friend's death during patrol, but additional research is needed to verify this incident.