PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2007

The Board denied earlier effective dates for the increased rating and TDIU for PTSD, finding that the evidence submitted within one year of the relevant decisions was not new and material.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if the veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is related to his service.

The Board found that the veteran's PTSD symptoms did not warrant a higher evaluation than 50 percent, as they did not meet the criteria for a 70 percent rating.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for post-traumatic stress disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records from VA facilities and determining the correct mailing address.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent as of November 1, 2001, with occupational and social impairment due to reduced reliability and productivity.

The veteran's PTSD resulted in total occupational and social impairment since March 1, 2005. Prior to that date, the disability was rated at 70 percent.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD as there was no evidence of an in-service stressor and the VA examiner found that the veteran did not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a head injury and PTSD, finding that there were no current residuals from an in-service brain concussion and that his claimed stressors were not verified.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development and compliance with VCAA requirements.

The veteran's PTSD was manifested by occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood, due to various symptoms for the period from August 30, 2002 to April 2, 2007. For the period since April 3, 2007, the veteran's PTSD is manifested by no more than occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood, due to various symptoms.

The VA determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD related to service and there is insufficient evidence to verify any in-service stressor. Therefore, the claim for service connection for PTSD was denied.

The veteran's request for service connection for PTSD has been remanded due to his recent heart surgery. He will be rescheduled for a videoconference hearing at the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Board denied service connection for a right fifth finger disability, head and left ear disability, and PTSD due to lack of evidence of current disabilities or credible supporting evidence of in-service stressors. The veteran did not engage in combat with the enemy.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD is manifested by total occupational and social impairment, including suicidal ideation, serious impulse control disorder, irritability, depression, inability to concentrate, and an inability to obtain and retain work and to establish and maintain effective relationships. The Board has determined that the criteria for a 100 percent rating are met.

The veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, effective August 18, 2003.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and found that there is credible evidence supporting a diagnosis of PTSD related to a verified in-service stressor. Service connection was denied for protein in urine and abnormal EKG as these conditions are not disabilities under VA compensation criteria.

The veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA and SSA records, and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent effective from August 30, 2005. He also received a TDIU effective the same date.

The case is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA outpatient records and providing the veteran with a new VA examination to determine if he has PTSD related to his service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to verify the veteran's claimed stressors and provide him with a chance to submit evidence in support of his claim.