PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2008

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and therefore, service connection for PTSD is denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss and PTSD, as well as his claim for a TDIU. The decision found that there was no evidence of current hearing loss disability meeting VA criteria or showing it to be related to service. For PTSD, while severe, it did not meet the criteria for a 70% evaluation. However, due to multiple service-connected disabilities, he is considered unemployable.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, neck condition, and low back condition. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to military service.,There was no pre-existing personality disorder noted during service, and current diagnoses of anxiety disorder do not meet the criteria for service connection.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD has been rated at 50 percent effective June 15, 2007, due to occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims of service connection for a heart disorder and hypertension, both claimed as secondary to his service-connected PTSD. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that it is due to new and material evidence.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to assess whether the veteran has PTSD due to an in-service stressor, and the case is being remanded for this purpose.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his cervical spine surgery, have resulted in a permanent loss of use of both lower extremities and require the use of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair for mobility. The Board finds that he meets the criteria for specially adapted housing assistance.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and finds no evidence to support service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including panic disorder. The claim is denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to issues related to service connection for major depression and PTSD. The veteran's representative intended to file a petition to reopen the claim for PTSD, which is now intertwined with the current appeal.

The veteran's PTSD has resulted in significant occupational and social impairment, warranting a rating of 70 percent.

The VA determined that the veteran's PTSD does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating than 50 percent, as his symptoms do not reflect occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for recognition as a former prisoner of war, entitlement to an earlier effective date for service connection, and entitlement to higher initial ratings. The appeal regarding PTSD was referred to the RO for further action.

The VA has determined that the veteran's PTSD, which is currently rated at 50 percent, does not warrant a higher rating based on current symptoms and evidence.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is currently manifested by some occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent disability rating. The claim for an increased rating remains pending.

The veteran was awarded a 100% disability rating for PTSD and special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance. Attorney fees of $9,199.19 were correctly calculated from past-due benefits.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining private medical records from a psychiatrist in Goldsboro, North Carolina. The veteran is seeking an increased disability rating for his service-connected PTSD.

The veteran's PTSD is currently evaluated as 70 percent disabling, and he is granted TDIU benefits due to his service-connected disabilities.

The veteran's depressive and PTSD symptoms have not met the criteria for a higher initial evaluation prior to October 17, 2006, or since that date.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that the reduction of benefits due to incarceration was proper and that the other claims were not supported by evidence.