PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2008

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for PTSD, finding that the June 1993 rating decision establishing the effective date from October 1, 1991 was not clearly and unmistakably erroneous.

The veteran's claim to have an effective date earlier than January 26, 1998 for the award of service connection for PTSD is denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an initial compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss and service connection for PTSD. The evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating for hearing loss, and there was insufficient evidence to establish service connection for PTSD.

The Board has ordered additional development to verify the veteran's in-service stressors and obtain his SSA records. The case will be remanded for further examination if any of the verified stressors are found.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD and obstructive sleep apnea have been rated appropriately, with the TDIU claim being granted.

The Board has determined that the appellant is entitled to a disability rating of 70 percent for his service-connected PTSD with depressive disorder and dysthymia, effective as of November 2004.

The Board has granted an effective date of January 12, 2004 for the assignment of a 70 percent evaluation for PTSD.

The veteran seeks an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for his service-connected PTSD other than the period of a temporary total evaluation. The case is REMANDED to conduct a new VA mental health examination and obtain current treatment records.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development due to the need for VCAA notice and scheduling a videoconference hearing.

The Board has granted a 70 percent evaluation for PTSD from June 25, 2007. The veteran's PTSD was characterized by significant occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas due to symptoms such as suicidal ideation, near-continuous panic or depression affecting the ability to function independently, inappropriate behavior, and intermittent ability to perform activities of daily living.

The Board has determined that the requirements of VA's duty to notify and assist have not been met, and thus the case is being remanded for further action.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and further development is required. The veteran must provide additional VA medical records, verify his alleged stressors during service, obtain additional service personnel records from NARA, NPRC, and JSRRC, and undergo a VA examination for PTSD and colon disability.

The veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent, the highest non-progressive rating available under the criteria for PTSD. The disability causes occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has determined that the veteran's colon cancer was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and thus denied his claim for service connection. The PTSD claim is pending due to insufficient evidence regarding the claimed stressors.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD warrants a 70 percent evaluation, reflecting significant impairment in occupational and social functioning.

The Board found that there is no credible supporting evidence of the veteran's claimed in-service sexual assault, and thus denied her claims for service connection for PTSD and residuals of a left tibia fracture.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 70 percent for his service-connected PTSD, finding that the disability picture did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including providing a VCAA compliant letter regarding duties of notice and assistance, obtaining VA treatment records, scheduling a psychiatric examination to establish evidence for PTSD, and readjudicating the claim.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including verifying stressors and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board denied an initial increased evaluation for service-connected PTSD, currently rated at 50 percent.