PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2008

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for PTSD. The veteran's PTSD was caused by stressful incidents during his active military service, including while engaged in combat against enemy forces.

The VA has determined that the veteran's PTSD does not meet or exceed the criteria for a higher initial rating beyond 30 percent.

The veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and an initial evaluation in excess of 40 percent for lumbosacral strain were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a current diagnosis of PTSD, and there was no credible supporting evidence of an in-service stressor. For the lumbosacral strain claim, the veteran's disability did not meet the percentage criteria for a 40 percent rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board found that the veteran's current tinnitus did not develop as a result of any incident during service, to include exposure to noise. The claim for post-traumatic stress disorder was denied due to lack of evidence linking it to service.

The Board granted service connection for PTSD effective March 30, 1994, based on new evidence submitted by the veteran.

The Board has granted service connection for anxiety disorder NOS and PTSD, finding that the veteran's current psychiatric disabilities are related to an in-service assault.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and an organic psychotic disorder/dementia (also claimed as neuropsychiatric disorder) due to lack of verified in-service stressors and current diagnoses not supported by the evidence.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 30 percent disabling since July 3, 2000. However, the VA determined that his service-connected disability alone does not preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD due to a lack of corroborated stressor supporting a diagnosis of PTSD.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for a videoconference hearing as he missed his previous scheduled hearing due to health reasons. The case will be returned to the Board after the hearing.

The Board has remanded the case for further development on her psychiatric issues, including clarification of diagnoses and related circumstances.

The Board has determined that the veteran's treatment at Tahlequah City Hospital on March 7, 2004 was rendered for a medical emergency and that federal facilities were not feasibly available to him. Therefore, payment or reimbursement of unauthorized private medical expenses incurred on that date is granted.

The Board found that the veteran's PTSD does not meet or approximate the criteria for a rating in excess of 50 percent, as his symptoms do not warrant a higher evaluation.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and hypertension, finding that there was no credible evidence of in-service stressors leading to PTSD. The claim for hypertension as secondary to PTSD was also denied due to lack of a diagnosis based on service-connected PTSD.

The VA denied the appellant's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for PTSD, finding that his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD as there was no verified in-service stressor and therefore, no basis to establish a direct link between current symptoms and service.

The veteran's PTSD prior to May 10, 2005 resulted in occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks. The symptoms included depression, anxiety, hypervigilance, irritability, detachment from others, nightmares, and mild memory loss.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hepatitis C and PTSD are not related to his active duty service.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and therefore, service connection for PTSD is denied.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, and finds that the veteran currently has PTSD as a result of an in-service stressor. The claim is therefore granted.