PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2009

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and hepatitis C is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for PTSD with schizophrenia, paranoid type is being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records and a new examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further action, including clarification of representation and potential rescheduling of a hearing.

The Board found that there is no evidence linking the appellant's current conditions to his military service or any incident therein, including exposure to chemical dioxins. Therefore, service connection for all claimed conditions was denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently evaluated at 50 percent, and the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling VA examinations to address the severity of his PTSD and left knee and tibia fracture disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or by reason of being housebound was denied. The denial is due to insufficient evidence showing that he requires aid and attendance or is substantially confined to his home.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the RO.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disability, thyroid disorder, and prostate disorder were denied. The RO is instructed to readjudicate these claims in light of the additional evidence provided.

The Board has reopened the claims for PTSD, depression, and anxiety disorder based on new evidence received since May 2003. The claim for hypertension remains denied as no new and material evidence was submitted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and a chronic sleep disorder is denied as there is no competent medical evidence of record that the Veteran has a primary sleep disorder which is etiologically related to his service.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder prior to July 18, 2006 was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed PTSD stressors and a need for further examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions, including hearing loss, tinnitus, a chronic right shoulder disorder, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine (claimed as a back condition), and PTSD or depression, are not service-connected. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service injury or disease related to these conditions.

The VA denied the Veteran's application to reopen his claim of entitlement to service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder, concluding that new and material evidence had not been received.

The Veteran's PTSD was found to be productive of occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent evaluation.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a verified in-service stressor for PTSD, and thus denied his claim of service connection.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder and nerve condition are not service-connected. The Board denied his claim for an increased rating for PTSD, finding that the current level of disability does not warrant a higher rating. His TDIU claim was also denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent disabling as of June 29, 2005. The rating reflects significant occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, depression, and ulcer disease are being remanded due to the need for further development of his mental health and gastrointestinal conditions.