PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2009

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the VA examiner found that his symptoms are primarily manifested by insomnia and nightmares with some infrequent intrusive thoughts. There is no evidence of occupational or social impairment warranting a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further action, including scheduling a hearing and considering his claims for increased disability ratings for PTSD.

The Board found that there is no credible supporting evidence of a personal assault in December 1979, which would be required to establish service connection for PTSD. The Veteran's statements and testimony were deemed unreliable due to inconsistencies and lack of corroborating evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA audiological examination. The issue of service connection for PTSD will also be addressed in the remand process.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the evidence does not support a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's skin rash claim is withdrawn. The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current bilateral hearing loss disability or tinnitus, and thus service connection for these conditions cannot be established. Service connection for PTSD has been granted but an increased rating remains denied.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since August 9, 2006. The symptoms include chronic sleep problems and nightmares, which do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the impact of his service-connected disabilities on employment.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized non-VA dental expenses incurred on October 27, 2004 due to lack of pre-authorization and failure to meet the requirements under VA regulations.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining private and VA treatment records related to his PTSD. The case will be readjudicated after these records are obtained.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, skin disability, PTSD, acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, diabetes mellitus, lung disability, right knee disability, gallbladder disability, drug addiction, and cardiovascular disability. The appeals were not addressed on the merits of these claims.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to incomplete records and unfulfilled requests.

The VA has granted an initial evaluation of 30 percent for the appellant's PTSD, effective from August 19, 2005. The evaluation is based on symptoms such as depression, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and sleep difficulties.

The Board has determined that the appellant's PTSD results in reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50% evaluation.

The Veteran's PTSD and lumbar myofascial pain syndrome with history of disc space narrowing are both service-connected, with the lumbar condition rated at 40 percent.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for additional development, including a psychiatric examination and opinion based on a complete review of the claims file.

The Veteran's PTSD has not been manifested by occupational and social impairment, with reduced reliability and productivity. Therefore, the schedular criteria for an assignment of a disability evaluation in excess of 30 percent have not been met.

The Board found that the Veteran's PTSD was not incurred or aggravated during his military service and denied the claim.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, a skin disorder, and a liver disorder were all denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support these claims.

The Board has granted an initial evaluation of 70 percent for the appellant's PTSD disability, finding that it meets the criteria for such a rating. The lumbar spine disability is also rated at its maximum allowable under the applicable diagnostic codes.