PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2008

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including examinations and a determination of service connection for PTSD, other acquired psychiatric disorder, and skin cancer due to exposure to herbicides or solar radiation.

The veteran is seeking an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD. The Board has determined that the earliest effective date assignable is October 31, 2003.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for depression. However, the claim remains denied as there is no credible evidence of a verified in-service stressor upon which a diagnosis of PTSD can be based.

The veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent prior to March 29, 2007 and increased to 70 percent as of that date. The decision is mixed with some issues granted and others not.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and assigned a 50 percent disability rating, effective March 12, 2004.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection of PTSD based on new evidence provided since the last final denial. The claim is now ready for further adjudication.

The veteran's PTSD was manifested by intrusive recollections 2-3 times per week, some irritability, and no strong avoidance behaviors during the period between September 20, 2002, and March 21, 2006. The RO granted service connection for PTSD but assigned a noncompensable rating.

The Board has granted a 100% rating for PTSD effective June 29, 2005, due to total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has granted an initial disability rating of 50 percent for PTSD, effective May 27, 2005. The veteran's tinnitus claim was also granted.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently manifested by ongoing symptoms of depression, anxiety, difficulty sleeping due to recurring nightmares, flashbacks, intrusive recollections, anger problems, social isolation, and Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scores ranging from 40-48. The Board finds that the veteran's PTSD warrants a 70 percent disability rating.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD is manifested by symptoms such as nightmares, flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, an exaggerated startle response, hypervigilance, depressed mood, anxiety, irritability, problems concentrating, trouble sleeping, suicidal ideation with no intent. The VA has determined that these symptoms do not more nearly approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to obtain or retain substantially gainful employment.

The VA determined that the veteran's PTSD did not meet the criteria for a higher initial rating of more than 70 percent prior to August 30, 2005.

The Board denied the veteran's request for a program of Independent Living Services under Chapter 31, as the requested equipment is not necessary to improve his independence in daily living.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including verification of stressors and a psychiatric examination to determine if PTSD is service-connected.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected dementia contributed to his choice to ride an ATV in inclement weather, leading to his death. Therefore, service connection for the cause of the veteran's death is granted.

The veteran's claims for service connection, waiver of overpayment, and disability ratings are being remanded to the RO for additional development.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection for PTSD, TDIU, and 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35 benefits due to a lack of legal merit under Sabonis v. Brown.

The veteran had PTSD due to combat service, which led to alcohol abuse and heart disability. This contributed to his cause of death by massive myocardial infarction.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.