PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2008

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent effective from December 27, 2007. This rating reflects significant occupational and social impairment.

The veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied because there is no verified or verifiable in-service stressor, and the veteran did not engage in combat.

The Board denied all of the veteran's claims for service connection, finding that none of his claimed disabilities were incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board found that the veteran did not engage in combat with the enemy and thus, his claim for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder cannot be granted based on a non-combat-related stressor. The VA examiner concluded that the head injury was not a sufficient stressor to cause post-traumatic stress disorder.

The veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for PTSD was granted with a 70 percent evaluation effective March 26, 2004.,The veteran's TDIU claim was also granted effective March 26, 2004.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and assigned a 50 percent rating. The veteran is not entitled to an increased evaluation beyond this current rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current diagnoses of PTSD and associated depression are related to his in-service exposure to combat stressors, including rocket and mortar attacks at Cam Ranh Bay. As such, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's post-traumatic stress disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service, and denied his claim for an initial compensable evaluation for a scar of the left wrist. The noncompensable rating currently assigned remains unchanged.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD warrants a 50 percent disability rating, which is the maximum schedular evaluation available for this condition.

The Board has granted an initial evaluation of 70 percent for PTSD, the maximum available under the applicable rating criteria.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, finding no current diagnosis of PTSD and noting that the veteran's depressive disorder did not manifest until many years after separation from service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's death was caused by his service-connected PTSD, which contributed to his congestive heart failure. As a result, the claim for DIC on the basis of service connection for the cause of the veteran's death is granted.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, effective from the date of this decision.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and determined that new evidence submitted since the last final denial supports a finding of service connection. The veteran was exposed to V1 and V2 rocket attacks in London during his World War II service, which is considered sufficient to establish service connection.

The veteran's PTSD symptoms have worsened, allowing for a higher evaluation from October 14, 2005 to May 23, 2006. The rating has been increased to 70 percent effective October 15, 2007.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for a hearing at the RO before a Decision Review Officer.

The veteran's case is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling a hearing before the Decision Review Officer at the Milwaukee Regional Office. The appeal remains about entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD is denied as his appeal to revise a final decision based on clear and unmistakable error (CUE) was unsuccessful.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his service-connected PTSD, burn scars on the head, face, and ears, and burn scars of the right hand and left hand. The evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The veteran is unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment as a result of his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, and erectile dysfunction.