PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2008

The veteran's appeal involves two issues regarding his PTSD rating: one for a higher rating prior to May 22, 2007 and another for a higher rating from that date. The RO increased the rating to 70 percent effective May 22, 2007, but did not provide supporting evidence of this decision.

The Board affirms the RO's decision to grant a 70 percent rating for PTSD, effective from November 24, 2003.

The Board found that the veteran's PTSD did not result in total occupational and social impairment, but granted a 70 percent disability rating for PTSD.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, which was previously denied in April 1996. The reopened claim will now proceed to determine if there is sufficient evidence to establish service connection.

The veteran's appeal for an increased rating for PTSD has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a service-connected psychiatric disorder, arthritis, or hepatitis C. The claims for these conditions are denied.

The veteran's PTSD with depression is currently rated as 30 percent disabling from March 17, 2000 to April 24, 2006, and 70 percent disabling from April 25, 2006. The disability picture does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic code.

The veteran's PTSD was granted service connection as it is linked to in-service stressors that were corroborated by unit records.

The veteran's PTSD is found to be due to events during his military service and has been granted service connection.

The veteran's hypertension is found to be secondary to his service-connected PTSD. The initial rating for PTSD remains at 50 percent, as the symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The veteran's initial claim for a higher disability rating for PTSD with Panic Attacks prior to June 12, 2000 was granted and assigned a 30 percent disability rating.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD as there is no credible supporting evidence that the claimed in-service stressor actually occurred.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD, finding that his symptoms were manifested by moderately severe persistent symptoms including intrusive thoughts and social avoidance, without evidence of suicidal or homicidal ideation or psychotic behavior. The VA also noted a history of alcohol dependence which affected his treatment.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current diagnosis of PTSD is at least as likely as not linked to personal abuse and assault during active service, including emotional, physical, sexual, and verbal abuse by her ex-husband who was a sailor. The appeal for service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD or panic disorder, and there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and panic disorder, is denied.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The veteran's TDIU was granted effective December 22, 1999. The Board denied the claim for an earlier effective date due to lack of service connection prior to that date.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection of PTSD, finding that there was no credible evidence to support his claimed in-service stressor and concluding that any current PTSD is not related to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for GERD and Sleep Disorder, finding that the evidence did not demonstrate a direct link to service or service-connected PTSD.,Service connection was also denied as there is no separate diagnosis of a sleep disorder.

The Board denied the veteran's request for an earlier effective date of May 18, 2004 for the grant of service connection and a 50 percent rating for PTSD.