PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD symptoms do not warrant a rating in excess of 30 percent, as his symptoms are within the range for a 30 percent disability evaluation.

The veteran's service-connected tinnitus and PTSD were evaluated, but the veteran requested a separate evaluation for each ear for tinnitus. The RO denied his request as there is no provision for assignment of a separate 10 percent evaluation for tinnitus of each ear under DC 6260. The veteran's claim for an increased initial rating for PTSD was not addressed due to lack of proper notice and assistance.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, post-traumatic stress disorder, and a skin disorder. The evidence does not support these claims as they are not related to service or any presumptive exposure.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD and his claim for a total rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating or TDIU.

The Board found that new evidence submitted since the January 2001 denial did not provide a more complete picture of the veteran's PTSD, and thus is not material. The claim for reopening service connection for PTSD remains denied.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, which is related to his combat experience in Vietnam. The veteran was diagnosed with PTSD based on credible supporting evidence of his reported stressors.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his service-connected PTSD, currently rated at 30 percent.

The veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, which approximates the criteria for a 70 percent rating due to his symptoms of suicidal ideation, frequent depression, and difficulty adapting to stressful circumstances.

The veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD, a TDIU, and an effective date prior to May 20, 1998, for the grant of service connection for PTSD are being remanded due to VCAA notification issues.

The Board has determined that additional VA examinations are necessary to evaluate the current severity of the veteran's PTSD and headaches, as well as obtain updated medical records. The case is REMANDED for these actions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD warrants a 50 percent evaluation, reflecting significant impairment in occupational and social functioning.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to address claims of service connection for various conditions, including hearing loss, tinnitus, and PTSD. The veteran's stressor allegations regarding a helicopter crash are also under review.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the TDIU rating, finding that it was not factually ascertainable that the veteran became individually unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities prior to September 24, 1997. The RO's decisions in April 1993 and November 1995 were found not to contain clear and unmistakable error.

The veteran's claim for an increased initial evaluation for conjunctivitis was denied. The RO found that the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating of PTSD from February 15, 1996 to November 8, 2001 is being remanded due to the failure to address VCAA notification requirements.

The Board denied the claims for an earlier effective date for a 100% rating and for CUE in the October 1969 rating decision. The claim regarding the January 1972 statement was also denied.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for further development due to new medical evidence showing moderate symptoms and impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Board finds that the veteran's currently demonstrated bipolar disorder is shown as likely as not to have had its clinical onset during his period of active service, and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including PTSD, hearing loss of the left ear, major depressive disorder with alcohol abuse in remission, bilateral tarsometatarsal degenerative arthrosis, left acromioclavicular joint degenerative changes (osteoarthritis), status post non-displaced tibial plateau fracture of the left knee, and arthritic changes of the cervical spine.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, and PTSD. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to his military service.