PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2007

The Board found that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD, which became effective on April 10, 2003, is primarily manifested by emotional lability with periods of sadness and weeping; mild memory loss; and avoidance of reminders of the associated trauma. The disability does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 9411.

The veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status was denied because the evidence did not show she required such assistance due to her service-connected disabilities.

The Board is remanding the case for several reasons, including providing the veteran with an opportunity to review his claims file and correct VCAA notice. The veteran's claim of reopening service connection for PTSD remains pending.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for service connection for a psychotic disorder and PTSD due to incomplete records, including possible in-service hospitalization records. The veteran is also asked to provide any relevant information about his mental health history.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for additional development, including stressor verification and a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to ensure compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 and to verify the veteran's claimed stressors. The case is being remanded for these purposes.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including a VA examination and opinion regarding the relationship between the veteran's current psychiatric disorders and his active service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including verifying in-service stressors and obtaining a comprehensive psychiatric examination to determine if PTSD is service-connected.

The veteran's claim for disability compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for PTSD was denied because the sexual assault by a patient did not result from VA hospital care. The service connection claims for a thoracic spine disability, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and seizure disorder were also denied.

The veteran's PTSD is currently manifested by occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, due to symptoms such as impaired impulse control, difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances, and an inability to establish and maintain effective relationships. The Board has determined that a 70 percent evaluation is warranted for the veteran's PTSD.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and right knee disability, as well as the reopening of claims for right shoulder and chest injury residuals. The denial was based on lack of evidence supporting these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and a need for a VA examination to determine if the veteran has PTSD related to service.

The veteran's PTSD results in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100 percent disability evaluation. The question of entitlement to TDIU is now moot as the veteran already has a 100 percent rating for PTSD.

The Board found that the veteran does not have PTSD and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection for PTSD, entitlement to TDIU, and Dependents Education Assistance under 38 U.S.C.A. Chapter 35.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and readjudication, including proper VCAA notice regarding a higher disability rating for PTSD and an effective date. The claim for service connection for headaches is also being remanded to obtain an opinion from the VA examiner.

The VA has granted a 70 percent disability rating for the veteran's service-connected PTSD, which is currently evaluated at 50 percent. The current rating adequately reflects the severity of the veteran's symptoms.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for his service-connected PTSD, finding that the symptoms do not warrant an evaluation in excess of 50 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD warrants a rating of 70 percent, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.