PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent prior to November 8, 2005 and is now rated at 70 percent from that date. The Veteran also meets the criteria for a TDIU based on his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD does not warrant a higher than 70 percent evaluation, and his hepatitis C was not incurred in service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development of evidence, including a VA examination to assess the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Veteran's PTSD was initially rated at 30 percent from July 1, 2005 to December 3, 2006. Since December 4, 2006, the Veteran's PTSD is now rated at 100 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's reported in-service stressors are consistent with his corroborated service as a door gunner and there is medical evidence of a link between his stressors and the diagnosis of PTSD. The issue of waiver of overpayment of VA pension benefits remains pending.

The Veteran's PTSD has been productive of complaints including poor sleep, depression, irritability, intrusive thoughts, nightmares, hyperstartle, and flashbacks. The VA found that the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was denied due to lack of a current diagnosis and unverifiable stressors. The claim for depression secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus was granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining records from San Mateo Mental Health Clinic and Menlo Park VA, as well as court martial records. The case will be reviewed again after these actions are completed.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to November 9, 2005 for service connection of PTSD is denied. The earliest date entitlement arose was January 10, 2006.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD due to new and material evidence. However, the claim cannot be granted as there is no credible evidence of combat exposure or verified in-service stressors.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, effective November 16, 2006. The Board found that the disability results in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD was rated at 10 percent prior to June 7, 2005 and increased to 30 percent effective from June 5, 2007. The GERD rating remained at 10 percent.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, a cardiovascular disorder, a right leg condition, and fungus of the toenails. The appeals were not developed or certified for appellate review.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder and alcohol abuse was rated at 30 percent from July 16, 2004 to May 13, 2007, and increased to 50 percent effective July 1, 2007.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional information about the Veteran's service in Vietnam and verifying his claimed stressors.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for tinnitus, PTSD, and left leg arthritis. The claim for left leg arthritis was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is manifested by difficulty relating to people, isolation from others, difficult family relations, hypervigilence, difficult employment relations, blunted affect, lack of grooming and hygiene, anxiety, nightmares, intrusive thoughts, poor concentration and memory, and flashbacks. The Board finds that the criteria for a 50 percent disability rating have been met.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination. The Veteran failed to attend his scheduled examination due to hospitalization and the AMC/RO should arrange another one.

The Board granted increased ratings for PTSD and chondromalacia of the left knee, but denied service connection for chronic fatigue.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for a neurologic disorder and PTSD due to exposure to chemical and/or biological agents, as well as his claim for PTSD based on combat experience, were denied. The Board found no competent evidence supporting the claimed stressors or diagnoses.