PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2008

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD as the weight of the evidence did not establish that he met the diagnostic criteria for PTSD.

The veteran's application to reopen the claim for service connection for PTSD was denied as new and material evidence was not presented.

The veteran does not have PTSD attributable to military service.

The veteran's service connection for PTSD was granted, as the evidence supports a diagnosis of PTSD related to stressful experiences he reported during his service in Vietnam.

The Board denied service connection for skin disease or rash as there was no evidence of the condition during service, and it is not otherwise related to active duty service.

The Board remands the claims for further development, including obtaining the veteran's complete service medical records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination to determine if he meets the criteria for PTSD and whether his condition is related to in-service stressors.

The appeal is remanded to the RO for further development and consideration of the veteran's claims.

The Board remands the case for an additional medical opinion to determine if any service-connected disabilities contributed substantially or materially to cause the veteran's death.

The veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder and alcohol abuse was rated at 50 percent prior to May 14, 2007, but no higher rating was warranted since July 1, 2007.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 70 percent disability rating for PTSD was denied, as the earliest possible date permitted by the effective date regulations is July 17, 2000. The TDIU rating was granted with an effective date of January 7, 2002.

The veteran's PTSD was rated as 30 percent for the period from March 19, 2004, to June 24, 2005, and increased to 50 percent thereafter. The effective date of a 60 percent rating for diabetic nephropathy was July 18, 2005.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as there was no independently confirmed in-service stressor.

The veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 50 percent for the service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is being remanded to update medical records and schedule a new examination.

The Board granted service connection for chronic tinnitus, finding that it was likely related to the veteran's wartime noise exposure.

The veteran's PTSD was found to be mild in nature, with no significant impairment in industrial or social relationships, and the 10 percent evaluation was deemed appropriate.

The appeal is remanded to the RO for further development and adjudication of the issues on appeal.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for VA payment of attorney fees based on a June 19, 2002 decision which granted service connection for PTSD and resulted in a retroactive award of benefits.

The veteran's PTSD warrants a higher initial evaluation of 70 percent for the time period beginning on December 17, 2007.

The Board denied service connection for both PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, finding no evidence of in-service stressors or a link to the veteran's military service.

The appeal for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was remanded to the Veterans Benefits Administration for scheduling a Travel Board hearing.