PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2009

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete evidence and need for further development, including verification of claimed stressors and consideration of personal assault claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU is granted, with the effective date set at October 25, 2002.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD did not cause or substantially contribute to his death. The evidence showed that he had a history of heart problems prior to his PTSD diagnosis.

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 70 percent for PTSD was denied. Service connection for prostatitis, to include as due to exposure to herbicide, was also denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's alleged in-service stressors, including sexual assault allegations, have not been verified and thus denied service connection for PTSD.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for tinnitus, broken left eardrum, depression, and residuals of right shoulder and right arm injuries from shrapnel. The evidence did not support a direct link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, skin cancer (presumed due to herbicide exposure), and PTSD. The Veteran's current conditions are not related to his active service.

The Board found that the Veteran's service records did not show a diagnosis of PTSD, and his VA examination report did not find any current diagnosis of PTSD. Therefore, the claim for service connection for PTSD was denied.

The Veteran seeks a higher initial rating for his service-connected PTSD. The Board has determined that additional development is needed, including obtaining updated medical records and arranging for the Veteran to undergo an examination.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms result in severe occupational and social impairment, warranting a 70 percent evaluation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and tinnitus, finding insufficient evidence to support these claims.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for neuropsychiatric disability was denied in December 1968, and the November 1993 rating decision granting PTSD with an effective date of June 15, 1993 is final. The Board found no CUE in the 1968 decision and determined that the criteria for earlier effective dates for PTSD were not met.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for TDIU due to his failure to report for a scheduled VA psychiatric examination, finding no good cause shown.

The Veteran's claim for an extension of educational assistance benefits beyond the initial 10-year period has been granted, as her service-connected traumatic brain injury and associated post-concussive headaches prevented her from participating in her chosen program of education within the applicable eligibility period.

The Board is remanding the case to adjudicate both the basic eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits and the service connection for the cause of death. The appellant's claim for service connection for the cause of death will be considered in light of any new information or evidence received.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine if he has a current diagnosis of PTSD and whether there is a link between his current symptoms and verified in-service stressors.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the severity of his PTSD and its impact on his ability to work.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to incomplete records and a need for a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA psychiatric examination to determine if the Veteran's PTSD is related to a verified stressor from June 1971. The claim will be reconsidered based on all submitted evidence.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD has been granted, but the specific effective date remains to be determined based on new evidence.