PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2008

The veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since November 30, 2004.,Service connection for diabetes mellitus was granted and a 30 percent rating is assigned.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for PTSD and granted service connection. The veteran is also awarded increased ratings for bilateral hallux valgus and residuals of a left clavicle fracture, but TDIU remains denied.

The veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for more detailed information about his in-service stressors and further verification of these events. The veteran will also be provided with notice on how a disability rating and effective date would be determined if service connection is granted.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

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 verified stressors. The claim was denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected PTSD warrants a schedular evaluation of 70 percent, effective from March 30, 2005.

The veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to the appellant withdrawing their appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death and for DEA under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. Chapter 35 due to new evidence requiring further development, including obtaining a VA opinion on whether the veteran's service-connected disabilities caused or contributed to his suicide.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for PTSD and Cyclothymia, finding no evidence of a diagnosed condition during or after service. The Board also found that there was insufficient medical evidence linking any current psychiatric disorders to service.

The VA denied a higher rating for the veteran's PTSD, finding that it did not meet the criteria for a 100% disability evaluation.

The Board denied service connection for hepatitis C and PTSD. For hepatitis C, the evidence did not establish a link between current symptoms and an in-service risk factor. For PTSD, there was no credible supporting evidence of an in-service stressor.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied, and the initial evaluation for PTSD was also denied. The veteran received a noncompensable evaluation initially and then a 30 percent evaluation.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and diabetes mellitus as due to exposure to herbicide agents, finding that the veteran did not engage in combat with the enemy or provide objective evidence of his claimed stressors. Diabetes was also not diagnosed until many decades post-service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the veteran's claimed in-service stressors and treatment records. The case will be returned for further development.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent disabling, and the Board finds that this rating adequately reflects his symptoms and impairment.

The veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 30 percent for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining pertinent VA and SSA records.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD has resulted in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100 percent disability rating since January 20, 2000.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD was incurred in service, resolving reasonable doubt in his favor.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, but denied the other claims due to lack of evidence or conflicting theories.