PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2008

The VA denied service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder, irritable bowel syndrome, and hemorrhoids. The veteran did not meet the criteria for these conditions as diagnosed in accordance with DSM-IV.,There is no evidence of current diagnoses or symptoms related to PTSD, irritable bowel syndrome, or hemorrhoids that can be linked to service.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD causes occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, but does not cause total occupational and social impairment. The VA has determined that a 70 percent rating is warranted for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and assigned a 10% rating, effective from the date of the decision.

The veteran's claims for PTSD, bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and heart disorder (claimed as irregular heartbeat) have all been denied due to lack of evidence supporting the presence or causation of these conditions during service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and a prior effective date, finding that the evidence did not support earlier service connection or higher ratings.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including VA examinations and additional evidence. The veteran's PTSD is rated at 30 percent disabling, while his bilateral hearing loss remains non-compensable.

The Board found that the veteran did not engage in combat with the enemy and his claimed stressors were not verified. As a result, service connection for PTSD was denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining additional treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The veteran's claims for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus were denied as the evidence did not establish a current disability or link to service. The claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been reopened due to new and material evidence.

The Board has granted an initial rating of 70 percent for PTSD, effective July 25, 2003. The veteran's PTSD is currently manifested by symptoms such as flashbacks, anxiety over flying, irritability, and anger, with no total occupational or social impairment.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is related to his service, specifically a non-hostile accident involving BM3 Joseph White, and thus grants service connection for PTSD.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder caused no more than occupational and social impairment, warranting a 70 percent disability rating from January 9, 2002 to April 26, 2006.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Board hearing.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including providing Vazquez-Flores compliant notice and obtaining VA treatment records. The veteran is also to be scheduled for a psychiatric examination.

The Board found that the veteran's PTSD was not incurred in active service and denied his claim.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and PTSD. The veteran's claims are now complete.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since September 25, 2003. The RO is instructed to obtain updated medical records and schedule the veteran for a VA psychiatric examination to assess his current level of impairment due to PTSD.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation prior to July 25, 2007, and since July 25, 2007. The evidence did not show occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD, and therefore, service connection for PTSD is denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD due to a lack of credible supporting evidence of the claimed stressors and because the veteran did not engage in combat with the enemy. The appeal is dismissed.