PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2008

The veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination to determine the current severity of his PTSD.

The veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on loss of use of a hand or foot is being remanded due to the need for an examination to determine if his service-connected PTSD with pain disorder and associated psychologic factors results in current loss of use of a hand or foot.

The VA determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD, which is required for service connection. The evidence did not establish a causal relationship between the veteran's symptoms and his military service.

The Board found no credible evidence of the claimed stressors and denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and bipolar disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and a need for further examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran did not engage in combat and therefore cannot establish service connection for PTSD based on a verified in-service stressor. The claims for hypertension and an enlarged prostate, both presumed to be related to herbicide exposure, have also been denied due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service or to herbicide exposure.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unemployable, and the Board has granted a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The VA determined that the veteran's PTSD does not warrant a higher disability rating, as his symptoms are consistent with a 30 percent rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to the veteran's unemployability and service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and shrapnel scar residuals. The RO is instructed to obtain all relevant medical records and conduct further examinations to determine if the veteran meets criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD is granted. The issue of reopening the low back disorder claim, previously denied due to lack of material evidence, is also granted. Service connection for pancreatitis and a pancreatic cyst is established. Erectile dysfunction secondary to medication for PTSD is service-connected. TDIU is not granted as the veteran is currently employed.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for left eye iritis, an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for PTSD, and a higher rating for headaches. The veteran's PTSD is currently rated as 10 percent disabling since February 23, 2007.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination to assess the severity of the veteran's PTSD.

The VA has determined that the veteran's service-connected PTSD does not warrant an increased rating beyond the current 50 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an effective date prior to March 20, 2006 for the grant of service connection for PTSD. The decision stated that no new and material evidence was submitted before March 20, 2006, and thus, the earlier requested effective date is not warranted.

The veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has granted a 100 percent disability rating for PTSD, effective January 2, 2003. The veteran's PTSD is characterized by total occupational and social impairment.

The VA determined that the veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorder, not including PTSD, was not incurred or aggravated during his military service and denied the claim.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression. The claimant's acne vulgaris of the face was also denied a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's seizures and personality disorder are not proximately due to or the result of his service-connected PTSD. The claims for these conditions have been denied.

The Board denied service connection for tinnitus and PTSD, but granted service connection for left forearm retained foreign body with a noncompensable rating. The veteran's claim for an initial higher rating remains pending.