PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD and that there was no evidence linking his current psychiatric condition to an in-service stressor.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for clarification of how his in-service stressors meet the criteria for a traumatic event as defined by the DSM-IV.

The Board found that the Veteran's PTSD was incurred in active service and granted his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, which reflects the severity of his symptoms as described. The rating does not warrant an increase to a higher evaluation.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including verifying combat-related stressors and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board has ordered another attempt to secure the veteran's complete service personnel file, including unit records from his Army National Guard unit and any successor custodians. The case will be returned for further review after this information is obtained.

The Veteran seeks service connection for PTSD related to her National Guard service. The case is being remanded due to incomplete documentation of her periods of active service and the need for further examination.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim for PTSD. The Veteran's current diagnosis of PTSD is supported by extensive psychological testing, including a positive PTSD screening in December 2003. Therefore, service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD has been manifested by flashbacks, nightmares, distressing memories, depressive symptoms, anxiety, occasional passive suicidal ideation, occasional panic attacks, trouble sleeping, avoidance, blunted affect, irritability, hyperarousal, and exaggerated startle response. These symptoms are indicative of occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and retrieval of outpatient treatment records.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a PTSD examination.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since January 16, 2007. The RO increased the evaluation from 30 percent to 50 percent effective January 16, 2007.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection are addressed in the decision. The Board found that new and material evidence has been received to reopen several previously denied claims, but did not grant any of the individual claims due to lack of evidence supporting the claims or because they were otherwise not supported by the preponderance of the evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for TDIU was received on March 4, 2005. The effective date of this grant is set at March 4, 2004, based on the evidence showing his service-connected disabilities prevented him from obtaining and maintaining gainful employment as of January 9, 2003.

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.