PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2008

The VA has determined that the veteran's PTSD does not warrant a rating higher than 50 percent, as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient explanation of why a higher rating for PTSD is not warranted, and new evidence indicates the condition may have worsened.

The veteran's claims for PTSD service connection were denied, and his headaches with tic douloureux symptoms (status-post head injury) were granted a 30% rating. His claim for Bell's Palsy was denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is due to a sexual assault during service and grants her claim.

The veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance/housebound status is being remanded due to the need for clarification regarding his service-connected psychiatric disability.

The Board has granted an increased rating of 50 percent for the veteran's PTSD, effective from May 20, 2002.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the veteran's claimed PTSD is not causally or etiologically related to his active service.

The case is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA disability benefits records and treatment records from the Goldsboro Psychiatric Clinic.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and need for additional medical opinions.

The veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was previously denied in February 1995, but the Board granted it with a 70% disability rating effective April 14, 2001. The RO then awarded an earlier effective date of June 14, 2002, based on the veteran's timely notice of disagreement and appeal. However, the case is now being remanded for further action due to a request for a Travel Board hearing.

The Board found no evidence that the veteran submitted a claim prior to June 13, 2001 for service connection of PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, or tinnitus. Therefore, effective dates earlier than those assigned are not warranted.

The veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied as there is no evidence of a chronic disease during or within one year after service.,For the entire rating period, beginning on May 9, 2001, the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 50 percent were not met due to lack of findings such as speech intermittently illogical, near continuous panic or depression affecting ability to function independently, unprovoked irritability with periods of violence, spatial disorientation, neglect of personal appearance/hygiene, and inability to establish effective relationships.

The veteran does not have a diagnosis of PTSD or any other psychiatric disorder, and therefore his claim for service connection is denied.

The VA determined that the veteran's PTSD does not warrant a rating higher than 30 percent, given his symptoms including anxiety, depression, and sleep disruption but with intact memory, no thought disorder, and no suicidal ideation.

The veteran's claim for service connection for paranoid schizophrenia was received on June 14, 1972. The effective date of this grant is set at the date of receipt of his claim.,The veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was received in August 1999 and granted with an effective date of August 16, 1999. He appealed this decision, seeking a prior effective date based on his contention that he should have been entitled to a 100% evaluation from June 1970 until January 1973.

The Board has determined that adjudication of the veteran's claim must be deferred in order to allow VA to conform to its duty to assist. The case is REMANDED for further action.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD, finding that his symptoms did not warrant a rating higher than 30 percent prior to June 27, 2006 and 50 percent thereafter.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims due to incomplete information and need for additional examinations.

The Board found no evidence of current Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and denied the veteran's claim for service connection.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for his PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and consideration of recent treatment records.