PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2008

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is service-connected, with a finding of at least as likely as not that it was caused by his military service.

The veteran's claims for an initial higher rating for PTSD, a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, and service connection for tinnitus were all denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support granting any of these claims.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that his diagnosis is linked to active military service and supported by independent evidence of exposure to stressors during his period in Vietnam.

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

The VA has determined that the veteran's PTSD, with symptoms such as anger, irritability, nightmares, hypervigilance, and intrusive thoughts, does not warrant a rating higher than 30 percent.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for initial development and adjudication of the veteran's claims regarding an effective date earlier than April 14, 1995 for a grant of service connection for PTSD. The RO must also consider his underlying claims of CUE in prior rating decisions.

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

The Board found that the overpayment was properly created due to the appellant's incarceration and failure to notify VA of his status, but granted a partial waiver for $12,405.00 based on VA's fault in not adjusting benefits promptly.

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

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that he was not exposed to a qualifying stressor during his active duty and thus did not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining records of the veteran's treatment for PTSD and attempting to verify his claimed stressors in service.

The veteran's PTSD is characterized by symptoms such as suicidal ideation, impaired impulse control, difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances, and an inability to establish effective relationships. The Board has determined that the criteria for a 70 percent evaluation have been met.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD due to new and material evidence, including a diagnosis of PTSD related to an alleged sexual assault during active duty in 1989. The claim is now considered on its merits.

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

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and TDIU due to insufficient evidence and need for further development.

The Board found that the veteran did not engage in combat with the enemy and thus, his reported stressors have not been verified. As a result, the claim for service connection for PTSD has been denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran is not competent to handle VA funds due to his mental incapacity, as evidenced by a VA examination and other medical records.

The veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, effective April 12, 2004. The rating was granted in a May 2005 decision.

The VA has determined that the veteran's PTSD does not meet the criteria for a higher rating, as it does not cause total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for chronic hypertension, a chronic spine disorder, a chronic right hip disorder, a chronic left hip disorder, and a generalized arthritis disorder. The claims for service connection for chronic myositis, chronic right upper extremity neuropathy, chronic left upper extremity neuropathy, chronic right lower extremity neuropathy, chronic left lower extremity neuropathy, and chronic erectile dysfunction are also denied.