PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Board found no verified stressor upon which a diagnosis of PTSD was based, and thus denied the claim for service connection.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and denied increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left upper extremities. The Veteran's conditions are currently rated as follows: loss of use of both feet (100%), coronary artery disease (60%), PTSD (50%), arthritis of the lumbar spine (40%), peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity (30%), peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity (20%), diabetes mellitus, type 2 (20%), compression of the L5 nerve root with numbness in the left foot (10%), and erectile dysfunction (noncompensable).

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder, finding that his reported in-service stressors are related to his fear of hostile military activity and consistent with the circumstances of his service. The diagnosis is supported by a VA psychiatrist who confirmed the adequacy of the stressor and its relation to the Veteran's symptoms.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant, through his authorized representative.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for PTSD, hemorrhoids, and tinea versicolor and seborrheic dermatitis have been granted. The effective dates are as follows: PTSD from February 2, 2001; hemorrhoids from August 29, 2000; and tinea versicolor and seborrheic dermatitis from December 26, 2006.

The Veteran's PTSD was incurred during service, and his skin disability is not related to service. The claim for a back condition and chronic diarrhea has been reopened due to new evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD is found to be incurred in service, and the Board grants service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran's current condition is related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his service, particularly his experiences during World War II in the Philippines. The decision grants service connection for PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is not competent to manage his financial affairs and therefore, he is not competent for the purpose of receiving direct payment of his VA benefits.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD was denied. The Board found that the earliest possible effective date would be March 6, 1992, when he filed his claim.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to a letter from his representative indicating he no longer wishes to pursue the increased evaluation for PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, bilateral knee disorders, and a low back disorder have been granted. The Board found that the Veteran has diagnosed PTSD related to his service in Kuwait, consistent with fear of hostile military activity.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD did not cause his death, but it contributed to the development of his COPD. The Board finds that the Veteran's service-connected conditions did not contribute substantially or materially to his cause of death.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD. The appeal is based on a direct service connection theory.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been granted. The issue of entitlement to service connection for a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD is remanded.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as the RO found that his service-connected conditions did not warrant a higher rating, and no new evidence had been submitted to reopen previously closed claims.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, finding that there was no credible evidence supporting his claimed in-service stressors and concluding that any current psychiatric disorders are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and depression, is found to be related to a traumatic in-service event involving racial harassment and assault. Service connection for these conditions is granted.