PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2009

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for PTSD, an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD (including bipolar disorder), antisocial personality disorder, a back disability, and headaches. The Board found that there was no evidence of in-service stressors or a link between any current disabilities and active service.

The Veteran's PTSD was initially rated at 10 percent effective February 23, 2004. From September 8, 2005, the rating for PTSD increased to 30 percent.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found no evidence supporting a higher rating for erectile dysfunction, and the PTSD claim was also denied as there is no severe incomplete paralysis or atrophy of muscles.

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

The Veteran's cause of death was not caused or contributed to by any service-connected disability, including PTSD and lung cancer.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was granted service connection, but his claims for tinnitus and PTSD were denied as they are not related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's reported stressors have been corroborated and are linked to his active military service.

The Veteran's PTSD causes reduced reliability and productivity, but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for PTSD and bilateral hearing loss was denied. The RO continued a 30 percent rating for PTSD and assigned a noncompensable rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to April 26, 2007, and a 10 percent rating thereafter.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a Travel Board hearing.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for residuals of a left eye injury and PTSD, finding no evidence of current disabilities or in-service events that could be linked to these conditions.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and residuals of a CVA, finding new and material evidence. The claim for PTSD is granted as it relates to a verified in-service stressor, while the claim for residuals of a CVA is granted as secondary to diabetes mellitus.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD due to a lack of credible supporting evidence that the Veteran's alleged in-service stressors actually occurred.

The Veteran is granted a 100% disability rating for PTSD effective June 6, 2006. The claim for an earlier effective date is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is denied as there is no evidence of a diagnosed condition, credible supporting evidence that the claimed in-service stressor actually occurred, and a link between the current symptomatology and the claimed in-service stressor.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied because the evidence did not provide sufficient information to enable VA to conduct meaningful research as to claimed combat experiences or exposure to in-service stressors.

The evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran engaged in combat with enemy forces, and there is no independent corroborating evidence of an in-service stressor. Therefore, service connection for PTSD has been denied.

The Veteran's PTSD has been found to be stable and does not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.

The Board has granted an initial evaluation of 50 percent for the service-connected PTSD, effective from the date of service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and Type II Diabetes Mellitus, finding that the Veteran engaged in combat during his Vietnam service and was exposed to herbicides while visiting Vietnam. The Veteran's claims are therefore granted.