PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2009

The Veteran's claims for PTSD and a psychiatric disability other than PTSD were denied due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service. The claim for lumps on the left thigh was reopened based on new evidence showing recurrent lumps, but no current evidence of such disability.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's previously denied claim of service connection for PTSD. The issue is now remanded for further development.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis C, pseudofolliculitis barbae, and an acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD, depression, and anxiety), finding no evidence of these conditions in service or linking them to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted as the stressor of being shot at while swimming in a river separating North and South Korea during his service was found to be credible, consistent with the circumstances of his service, and supported by medical evidence.

The Veteran's notice of disagreement regarding increased disability ratings for PTSD, shrapnel wound scar, and ichthyosis was not timely filed within one year from the August 4, 2005 notification. The Board denied his claim as he did not file a timely notice of disagreement.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for further development and consideration of his claims, including potential service connection for PTSD and a lung disorder secondary to PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a VA examination. The issue includes verifying an in-service stressor event.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100 percent rating.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since July 2006. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating, as his symptoms were consistent with a moderate to moderately severe condition.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently manifested by reduced reliability and productivity, but does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's current PTSD is linked to his in-service stressor of guarding human remains during active duty service, and the Board finds that this meets the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD.

The Board found that the Veteran did not have PTSD at any point during the pendency of his claim and therefore denied service connection for PTSD.

The Board has determined that the service member's death was not caused by or related to his service-connected PTSD, and therefore denied the claim for service connection for the cause of death.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied as the Board found that there were no verified in-service stressors and thus, the diagnosis of PTSD could not be linked to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for increased evaluations for his service-connected PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD due to insufficient evidence regarding his in-service stressors. The Veteran must provide additional information or submit relevant records to support his claims.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial rating higher than 50 percent for PTSD, but vacated the decision due to a lack of consideration of new evidence.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the case can be decided, including a VA psychiatric examination to determine if the Veteran's depression and PTSD are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that further examination and medical opinion are needed to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is related to her in-service sexual assault. The RO will obtain all outstanding VA treatment records and provide the Veteran with another opportunity to submit evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently evaluated as 50 percent disabling, and the Board finds that a higher rating of 70 percent is not warranted based on the evidence provided. The Veteran's claim for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile or adaptive equipment was denied.