PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2012

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD, finding that the earliest possible effective date is January 26, 2008, which is the day after his separation from active duty.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA records and a psychiatric examination to determine if any current psychiatric disorder is related to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for low back pain, degenerative joint disease and spondylosis was granted effective December 18, 2006. The rating assigned is 20 percent.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, specifically PTSD and depression, is denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria to establish service connection due to lack of credible supporting evidence for his claimed stressor in Canada during service.

The Veteran's PTSD was previously rated at 50 percent prior to February 10, 2011. Effective February 10, 2011, the Veteran is no longer entitled to a rating in excess of 70 percent for his PTSD.

The Board has determined that the submitted evidence does not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claims for service connection for right knee disorder, lumbar spine disorder, migraine headaches, and acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD).

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain a new VA examination and adjudicate the TDIU claim. The case will be reviewed for any additional evidence received since the July 2009 supplemental statement of the case.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to incomplete consideration of evidence and the need for new VA examinations.

The Board found that the Veteran's posttraumatic stress disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service, and his preexisting psychiatric disorder did not undergo a clinically identifiable permanent increase in severity during service. The chronic sleep disorder is also not shown to have been present in service.

The Veteran's PTSD prior to June 20, 2006 did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 30 percent. From March 9, 2006 (but not earlier), his PTSD warranted a 70 percent disability rating.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including an updated VA psychiatric examination to determine the current severity of the Veteran's PTSD and whether he is unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disability. The issue of entitlement to a TDIU will be adjudicated in conjunction with the increased rating claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed stressors are not supported by credible evidence and therefore, his PTSD is not related to service.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation at the housebound rate is granted, effective September 21, 2009. The criteria are met due to his service-connected disabilities including PTSD, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of all four extremities, and visual field defect.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an increased evaluation in excess of 50 percent for his service-connected PTSD disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied by the Board in November 2005 and August 2010 decisions. The case is being remanded to the RO for further development, including obtaining additional evidence and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and a vestibular disorder, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient verification of in-service stressors and the need for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran has current psychiatric disabilities related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of hepatitis C or an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Board found no credible supporting evidence that any of the Veteran's claimed in-service stressors occurred, and thus denied his claim for service connection for PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case to the Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office for further action, including scheduling a videoconference hearing before the Board.