PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2008

The veteran's claims for service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease and post-traumatic stress disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including verification of in-service stressors and further examination.

The VA has determined that the veteran's PTSD with alcohol addiction does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 50 percent, as it does not demonstrate occupational and social impairment due to symptoms such as suicidal ideation or near-continuous panic affecting independent functioning.

The Board found that the reduction in the rating for PTSD from 30% to 0% was proper, as there is no evidence of continued entitlement to a higher disability rating. The veteran failed to report for scheduled VA examinations and did not provide adequate reasons for his failure.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the veteran does not have PTSD that is related to service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied service connection for right and left knee disabilities, as well as PTSD. The veteran's claims were not substantiated by the evidence of record.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the veteran's current skin rash, foot disorder, and mental health conditions are related to his service in Vietnam.

The Board has determined that further development is needed, including verifying combat service and obtaining medical opinions regarding the veteran's PTSD and cold injury to his feet. The case will be remanded for these actions.

The VA denied a higher rating for PTSD, finding that the veteran's symptoms do not warrant an evaluation in excess of 30 percent.

The Board granted a noncompensable (0 percent) disability rating for PTSD and confirmed the denial of service connection for carcinoma of the right breast.

The veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent, and the Board found that it warrants a higher rating of 50 percent based on his symptoms.

The veteran's PTSD has been manifested by depression, panic attacks, nightmares, feelings of detachment, exaggerated startle response, reclusiveness, and an inability to establish and maintain effective work and social relationships. The Board finds that the criteria for a 70 percent evaluation are met due to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The veteran's appeal involves claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 due to hospital treatment, including PTSD and a respiratory disability. The issues are related to the additional disabilities resulting from his coronary artery bypass graft surgery in March 1993.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at a 70 percent level, the highest available rating for this condition.

The veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the appeal for increased ratings on other conditions remains pending.

The veteran's appeal for higher initial ratings for PTSD has been withdrawn, resulting in the dismissal of his case.

The Board found no credible evidence of in-service stressors and denied service connection for PTSD.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining records from service and verifying specific activities of the USCGC PONTCHARTRAIN. The veteran will also undergo a special psychiatric examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is service-connected, as there is a current diagnosis and it is linked to his combat service.

The Board has restored service connection for the veteran's Bi-Polar Disorder and PTSD, finding that the criteria to sever service connection have not been met.

The Board found clear and unmistakable error in the grant of service connection for PTSD by the April and September 1999 RO decisions, as there was no corroborating evidence supporting the veteran's claimed stressors. As a result, the decision to sever service connection for PTSD was proper.