PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2008

The veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board found that this rating adequately compensates for his reduced reliability and productivity due to symptoms such as flattened affect and difficulty in establishing effective work and social relationships.

The veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected disabilities and their impact on his ability to work.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder, impotence, and a kidney disorder for accrued benefits purposes due to lack of evidence supporting these conditions.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining treatment records and scheduling a VA examination. The case will be returned to the Board for final appellate review if necessary.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and granted it, based on new evidence of a diagnosis of PTSD.

The Board has ordered the case to be remanded for further development, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling a new psychiatric examination. The veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being reviewed.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete verification of stressors and exposure, as well as unclear medical evidence regarding hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is service-connected due to combat exposure in Vietnam.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, a psychological disability due to alcohol dependency, and a neck disability. The evidence did not support these claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD and a psychiatric disorder, finding that new evidence did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating these claims.

The veteran's PTSD was initially rated at 50 percent effective April 13, 2005. The RO increased the rating to 70 percent as of July 3, 2008.

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

The veteran's appeal for increased ratings for PTSD, right knee disability, and lumbar spine disability was denied. The VA found that the current level of impairment did not warrant a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD, or in excess of 20 percent prior to March 19, 2007 and in excess of 30 percent thereafter for right knee disability.

The Board has reopened the appellant's claim regarding his character of discharge from service, finding new and material evidence that raises a reasonable possibility of substantiating his claim. The VA will now consider whether he is eligible for VA benefits other than medical care under Chapter 17.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further examination and evaluation to determine if his service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The veteran's current psychiatric disability, specifically her post-traumatic stress disorder, is found to be the result of sexual assaults during her period of active military service. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly address the veteran's claims, including obtaining verification of claimed stressors for PTSD and obtaining updated VA treatment records for tinea cruris and tinea pedis.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claims of entitlement to service connection for hypertension, bilateral knee disability, left hip trochanteric bursitis, bilateral heel spurs, PTSD, diabetes mellitus, Type II, or sleep apnea. As a result, these claims remain denied.

The veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD, assigning a retroactive effective date of December 13, 2004.