PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2008

The April 1997 rating decision denying service connection for PTSD was upheld as it was supported by the evidence of record at that time.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD due to in-service sexual assault allegations. The veteran must be provided with notice regarding alternative evidence and given an opportunity to submit such evidence or identify potential sources. A VA psychiatric examination is required to determine if any inservice stressful events occurred, and whether PTSD is related to those events.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and TDIU based on the veteran's service-connected disabilities, with effective dates set at October 12, 2001.

The Board denied eligibility for payment of attorney fees from past-due benefits following a grant of service connection for PTSD in January 2005.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied, but new evidence was received that may reopen his claim for a low back disability. The veteran is presumed to have been exposed to Agent Orange in Vietnam.

The veteran's post-traumatic stress disorder is currently rated at 30 percent, the maximum for this condition under Diagnostic Code 9411. The symptoms include depression, anxiety, chronic sleep impairment, irritability, self-isolation, suspiciousness, memory loss, nightmares, and flashbacks.

The VA determined that the veteran's PTSD does not warrant a rating in excess of 70 percent, as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board found that the veteran's service connection claim for a psychiatric disorder, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD, was denied due to lack of evidence supporting the occurrence of the alleged stressors. The veteran's statements regarding physical assault and racism were not corroborated by other evidence in the record.

The veteran was granted a 100 percent disability rating for PTSD effective from April 29, 2005.,The veteran was also granted TDIU effective from the same date.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a left wrist disorder, PTSD, and entitlement to additional compensation benefits for dependents. The temporary evaluation of 100 percent based on convalescence following left knee arthroscopy was also denied.

The evidence is at least in relative equipoise on the question of whether there is credible supporting evidence of an in-service stressful event, and the competent medical evidence establishes a current diagnosis of PTSD. The weight of the medical evidence establishes a nexus between diagnosed PTSD and a stressful event in service.

The Board has ordered the case to be remanded due to incomplete information from a previous examination. The veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD will need further evaluation and clarification.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected PTSD did not contribute substantially or materially to his death, and therefore denied service connection for cause of death.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need to verify a stressor of killing a Vietnamese civilian, and if verified, to obtain Social Security Administration (SSA) records.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and found that the veteran's current symptoms are related to her wartime service. Service connection was also granted for a cervical spine condition, but further examination is needed as it relates to active duty.

The veteran is seeking an increased disability rating for his service-connected PTSD. The Board has ordered the case back to the RO for further development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board granted service connection for PTSD and assigned a 50 percent disability rating, effective from May 5, 2004.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development and consideration of new documents.

The veteran's PTSD is manifested by symptoms such as suicidal ideation, sleep impairment, nightmares, intrusive thoughts, hypervigilance, startle response, depression, anxiety, restricted affect, lack of concentration, avoidance of others, and serious social and occupational impairment. The Board finds that an initial rating of 70 percent, but no higher, is warranted for PTSD.

The veteran's appeal for a disability rating in excess of 70 percent disabling for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been dismissed due to the appellant withdrawing their appeal.