PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2008

The Board found that the veteran did not have a verified stressor during service, and thus could not establish service connection for PTSD.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for PTSD was denied as he had no eligibility prior to January 28, 2002 due to a bar on benefits based on his character of discharge. The earliest date of service connection is therefore January 28, 2002.

The VA denied an increased rating for the veteran's service-connected PTSD, finding that it did not meet the criteria for a higher than 50 percent disability rating.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for major depressive disorder and PTSD, finding that there is no credible evidence to support the occurrence of the claimed stressors during his documented service.

The Board found that the veteran's PTSD is unrelated to the claimed personal assaults in service and his psychiatric disorders were not present during service or manifest within a year of separation from service. Therefore, the claims for service connection for PTSD and acquired psychiatric disorders are denied.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD was denied because the earliest date of entitlement to benefits is February 24, 2004, which is when his claim was received by VA.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD should be remanded to allow for additional development, including verification of stressor events and obtaining mental health treatment records.

The VA examiner found that the veteran's reaction to being hit by shrapnel during a training exercise does not support a finding of PTSD. The other stressors provided by the veteran, including witnessing friends killed in Vietnam, are not verified and no additional evidence has been submitted.

The veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including verification of alleged stressors and a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and a respiratory disorder, finding that there was no evidence to support the claimed in-service stressors or asbestos exposure. The veteran did not engage in combat with the enemy and his statements about the alleged stressors could not be verified. There is also no current diagnosis of asbestosis or other respiratory disability related to asbestos exposure.

The VA has granted service connection for PTSD and assigned a 50 percent disability rating, effective June 29, 2004. The veteran's symptoms include intrusive thoughts, nightmares, flashbacks, irritability, anger outbursts, concentration problems, memory issues, depression, and anxiety.

The VA determined that the veteran's PTSD did not warrant a rating in excess of 30 percent prior to January 26, 2007.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD warrants a higher initial rating of 70 percent, resolving all reasonable doubt in his favor.

The VA denied the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD, concluding that there is no current diagnosis of PTSD and that the evidence does not support a finding of in-service stressors.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is incurred in service and granted service connection.

The Board has ordered additional development to verify the veteran's claimed stressors and determine if he meets the criteria for PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding whether the overpayment was properly created and for consideration of the veteran's claim for a waiver of recovery.

The Board has remanded the case due to deficiencies in its May 2005 decision, including failure to provide adequate notice regarding unavailability of VA treatment records and SSA benefits.

The Board found that the veteran did not have PTSD due to combat stressors and could not verify other claimed stressors. The cervical spine, left knee, left foot, and bilateral shoulder disabilities were not shown to be related to service. Stomach ulcers and a skin rash were also not linked to service.

The veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied because there is no credible evidence of an in-service stressor, and post-service medical records cannot corroborate the occurrence of any alleged assault.