PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2008

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development of records, including from the Vet Center and VA Medical Center. The veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD will be reconsidered after these records are obtained.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a psychiatric condition other than PTSD and to include schizophrenia. However, it is determined that there is no evidence linking these conditions to service or any verified stressors. The claim for service connection for PTSD remains unresolved.

The Board granted a rating of 50 percent for PTSD, the maximum schedular evaluation available. The claim was not remanded to consider an extraschedular rating or other theories of service connection.

The Board has granted a 50 percent disability rating for the veteran's PTSD, effective from when his claim was received. The issue of service connection for headaches is being remanded.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD warrants a higher initial rating of 70 percent, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Board has determined that the veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, primarily manifested by poor sleep with recurrent nightmares and depression, warrants a continuation of the currently assigned 50 percent disability rating for PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 50 percent evaluation for major depression with co-diagnosis of PTSD is denied. The evidence does not demonstrate an increase in symptoms associated with the service-connected psychiatric disability to rise to the level of occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity prior to October 12, 2004.

The VA has granted service connection for PTSD and assigned a 50 percent disability rating, effective October 16, 2003.

The veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since August 21, 2006. The Board found that his symptoms have worsened and granted a higher rating of 70 percent effective from August 21, 2006.

The veteran's service-connected post-gastric resection and post-traumatic stress disorder are currently rated at 30 percent each, resulting in a combined rating of 60 percent. The Board has determined that the veteran is not entitled to an increased evaluation for his post-gastric resection or TDIU benefits due to his service-connected disabilities.

The veteran withdrew his appeal for an increased rating for PTSD, and the case is dismissed without prejudice.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for cardiovascular disease, to include as secondary to diabetes mellitus and PTSD. The decision also addressed his request for TDIU but did not reach a final determination on this issue.

The veteran's PTSD has been rated as 70 percent disabling since April 28, 2005. The Board found that the disability more nearly approximates a 70 percent rating for the period from August 8, 2003, to April 27, 2005.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for service connection of PTSD, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his in-service stressor and his current condition. The Board found that the veteran had preexisting PTSD which did not worsen during service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD warrants a rating of 30 percent, effective from the date of his claim.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since May 18, 2004. As of July 6, 2007, the disability rating was increased to 100 percent.

The veteran was granted service connection for PTSD, but denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and multiple other disabilities due to shell fragment wounds in service. The Board found that the evidence supported a diagnosis of PTSD based on verified combat stressors, but did not find sufficient evidence to support current diagnoses or etiology for the other conditions.

The Board denied service connection for bipolar disorder, rheumatic heart disease on the basis of aggravation, and PTSD based on personal/sexual assault. The case is being remanded to comply with VCAA requirements and to obtain additional development related to the veteran's claims.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including providing VCAA notice and scheduling a VA examination to assess the veteran's PTSD.

The veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since the initial rating decision. The Board found that his symptoms did not warrant a higher rating as they did not meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 50 percent.