PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2009

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and Persian Gulf War Syndrome, but increased the rating for dysthymic disorder to 70 percent. The veteran was also granted a 40 percent evaluation for fibromyalgia.

The veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD from November 14, 2004 was remanded for further development.

The veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, reopening of the claim for bilateral hearing loss, and increased rating for residuals of a broken left hand were denied as there was no credible evidence supporting an in-service stressor for PTSD, no new material evidence to reopen the claim for bilateral hearing loss, and the disability did not meet criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as there was no credible supporting evidence that the claimed in-service stressors occurred, and no medical evidence of a confirmed diagnosis of PTSD based on verified stressor.

The veteran's claims for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and hepatitis C were denied as the evidence did not support a link between his claimed conditions and his military service.

The veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent prior to November 6, 2007, and increased to 50 percent effective that date due to occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD due to unverified stressors, but granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder as a result of the veteran's service-connected heart disease.

The Board found that new and material evidence was received to reopen the claim for service connection for PTSD, but not for hearing loss, a left knee disorder, or subcutaneous lumps. The claims for chronic prostatitis and urinary disorder were denied.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD, low back disability, bilateral foot disability, sleep apnea, bronchitis and carpal tunnel syndrome as the evidence did not show that any of these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by active military service.

The veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and TDIU are being remanded for additional development.

The veteran's PTSD is service-connected due to verified in-service stressors of coming under enemy rocket and mortar attacks while stationed at Phu Bai on August 18, 1970.

The Board remands the claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD for further development, as well as the claims of entitlement to service connection for hearing loss of the right ear and left ear due to new evidence being received.

The Board denied an effective date prior to October 23, 2003 for the grant of service connection and compensation for PTSD.

The Board granted service connection for PTSD, evaluating it as 70 percent disabling since the effective date of the award.

The veteran's PTSD did not meet the criteria for evaluations in excess of 50 percent prior to April 9, 2004, and in excess of 70 percent as of that date. The Board also found no evidence supporting a TDIU prior to April 9, 2004.

The veteran's PTSD has not been productive of deficiencies in most areas due to symptoms such as suicidal ideation, obsessional rituals, speech disorders, near-continuous panic or depression, impaired impulse control, spatial disorientation, neglect of personal appearance, or an inability to establish and maintain effective relationships. Therefore, a rating in excess of 50 percent is not warranted.

The veteran's PTSD has been granted a total disability rating (100 percent) due to occupational and social impairment, with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for new and material evidence to reopen service connection for a psychiatric disorder that includes PTSD and hypertension.

The veteran's PTSD is more severe than a 50 percent rating, as the veteran has been generally unable to control his impulses.

The appeal is remanded to the RO for additional development and a re-adjudication of the claims.