PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2008

The Board found that the veteran did not engage in combat with the enemy and thus could not establish service connection for PTSD based on a verified in-service stressor. The diagnoses of PTSD were not linked to supported stressors, and no supporting evidence was provided.

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

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis C and PTSD, finding that there was no evidence to support these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's petition to reopen his previously denied claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that there was insufficient evidence showing he engaged in combat in Vietnam or provided an objectively confirmed stressor.

The Board granted a 70 percent disability rating for PTSD effective September 7, 2005, and also granted the veteran entitlement to individual unemployability based on service-connected disabilities effective that date.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further action, including obtaining additional VA treatment records and Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits records. The veteran's claims for PTSD and a skin disorder secondary to Agent Orange exposure will be reconsidered.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to verify the veteran's in-service stressor and to obtain a current diagnosis of PTSD. The case will be remanded for these purposes.

The Board is remanding the case to determine if the veteran has PTSD based on a verified in-service stressor, specifically being beaten up in August 1980. The additional evidence submitted by the veteran will also be considered.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD. The claims for erectile dysfunction secondary to diabetes mellitus and SMC based on loss of use of a creative organ are denied.

The Board found that the veteran's current right ear hearing loss is not related to service, but left ear hearing loss and PTSD are service-connected.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for a travel Board hearing at the Albuquerque, New Mexico, Regional Office.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for rotator cuff tear, right shoulder; an acquired psychiatric disorder (other than post-traumatic stress disorder); and PTSD. The evidence did not support a finding of in-service injury or disease that resulted in these conditions.

The veteran's PTSD has been manifested by symptoms such as sleep impairment, occasional nightmares, intrusive thoughts, anxiety, irritability, startle reaction, hypervigilance, and mild social and occupational impairment. The RO granted service connection for PTSD but did not assign a higher rating.

The veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent, the maximum schedular rating for this condition.

The Board has determined that the veteran's anxiety disorder with post-traumatic stress disorder warrants a 50 percent rating, reflecting occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD has resulted in a total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100 percent disability rating since the effective date of service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, was not incurred as a result of active service. However, chronic sinusitis with headaches related to his service in Southwest Asia is considered incurred during service.

The Board found that the veteran's PTSD diagnosis was not attributed to a verified in-service stressor and her other acquired psychiatric disorders, including major depression and panic disorder with agoraphobia secondary to PTSD, were not attributable to service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, was denied.

The Board has granted a 70 percent evaluation for PTSD, the maximum schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 9411.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development of evidence regarding the veteran's claimed PTSD stressor. The veteran must provide additional information or submit other forms of evidence, such as buddy statements or family statements, to support his claim.