PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2008

The veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened. The RO has also granted increased evaluations for her right and left calcaneal fractures, each rated at 30 percent disabling.

The veteran's appeal for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for PTSD was dismissed due to the death of the veteran.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at the highest possible rating of 100 percent from September 15, 2003, to the present. Service connection for skin rashes, nerve damage, and reproductive disorder are not granted due to lack of evidence supporting these claims.

The Board has reopened the claims of service connection for PTSD and a respiratory disorder, as new and material evidence was received. The issues are now remanded to the RO for further development.

The veteran's PTSD was rated at 30% prior to July 2003 and at 50% since then. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable DCs.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a verified in-service stressor and therefore cannot establish service connection for PTSD.

The veteran's PTSD results in occasional panic attacks and anxiety, but does not result in significant occupational or social impairment.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD. The veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not currently service-connected.

The Board has determined that additional development is required to address the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, including providing VCAA notice and obtaining updated medical records.

The veteran's claim for service connection of PTSD was granted with an effective date of July 17, 2003. His PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the veteran's death due to PTSD, which was incurred in service and contributed substantially to his death.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and a left ankle condition, finding that there was no credible supporting evidence of in-service stressors or an injury. The right ankle claim is pending as it has not been adjudicated yet.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examination. The case will be returned to the Board for further adjudication.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim for service connection for PTSD. The veteran's psychiatric disability, other than PTSD, including depression, was not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the veteran's claimed stressors and service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have PTSD, an acquired psychiatric disorder (other than PTSD), a back condition, a right wrist disorder, a right ankle disorder, a right knee disorder, or a right shoulder disorder as a result of his service. The claims for these conditions are therefore denied.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected PTSD is being remanded due to the need for proper notification and development of evidence.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted entitlement to TDIU.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected conditions do not prevent him from caring for his daily personal needs and do not render him unable to protect himself from the hazards of daily living, thus denying SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The VA Regional Office has not reviewed all the evidence received since the initial decision. The case is being remanded to allow for this review and a supplemental statement of the case.