PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2008

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is related to his service in Vietnam and grants the claim.

The veteran's PTSD more nearly approximates total occupational and social impairment, with symptoms such as persistent delusions or hallucinations, gross inappropriate behavior, persistent danger of hurting others, intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living (including maintenance of minimal personal hygiene), memory loss for names of close relatives, own occupation, or own name. The veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent.

The Board has determined that there is no credible supporting evidence of an in-service stressor for PTSD, and thus the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD cannot be granted.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at a 70 percent disability rating, the highest available under VA guidelines for this condition.

The Board has dismissed the appeal of service connection for diabetes mellitus, Type 2 as the appellant withdrew his appeal prior to a decision.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining service treatment records and other relevant documentation.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service records and arranging for a VA ophthalmology examination.

The veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and a right foot disability as secondary to service-connected disability of the right knee were denied. The Board found that there was no competent medical evidence showing that the veteran had these conditions or that they were related to his military service.

The veteran's PTSD has been manifested by symptoms such as depressed and anxious mood, difficulty sleeping, daily thoughts of Vietnam, hypervigilance, and suicidal ideation without any plans or intent. The evidence also shows that the veteran is alert and fully oriented with normal speech, fair concentration and attention, and goal-directed thought process.

The veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred on April 10, 2006 at a private hospital were reimbursed because he had seven service-connected disabilities and the VA facilities were not feasibly available to provide emergency care.

The Board has remanded the case to obtain additional information and evidence regarding the veteran's claimed in-service stressors, which may help determine if he meets the criteria for service connection of PTSD.

The veteran's appeal involves two issues regarding his PTSD rating: one for a higher rating prior to June 1, 2004, and another for a higher rating from June 1, 2004. The decision is mixed as some aspects of the claim may be granted while others are denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is causally related to his military service and grants the claim for service connection.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a hearing issue and will schedule another hearing for the veteran.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and fatigue, finding that there is no evidence of a current disability or a link to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran did not engage in combat with the enemy and there is no credible supporting evidence for any claimed in-service stressors. Therefore, service connection for PTSD is denied.

The Board found that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and service connection for PTSD was denied as there is no evidence meeting the DSM-IV criteria.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and hypertension, finding that there is no evidence of an in-service stressor for PTSD or a link between current symptoms and service. For hypertension, the Board found that it did not manifest within one year after separation from service and was not related to service.

The veteran's claims for PTSD, hearing loss, and tinnitus were granted effective from December 24, 2002.,PTSD, hearing loss, and tinnitus have been awarded retroactively to the date of claim (December 24, 2002).,No specific effective date was assigned for these conditions as they are considered new claims filed after a final denial.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the veteran's claimed in-service stressors and PTSD. The VA will attempt to verify the events and provide a psychiatric examination.