PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for PTSD, but additional development is necessary regarding the underlying service connection claim.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for psychiatric disorders (other than PTSD), low back and cervical spine conditions, and headaches. The evidence does not support a finding of current disabilities or a nexus to service.

The veteran was granted a 10 percent rating for PTSD from December 27, 1999 to May 19, 2003.,A 70 percent rating was granted for the period from May 20, 2003 to September 29, 2004. The veteran's TDIU claim is moot due to his maximum disability rating.

The veteran's PTSD is currently manifested by irritability, angry outbursts, a restricted range of affect, problems with concentration, hypervigilance, an exaggerated startle response, flashbacks and nightmares. The symptoms prevent him from working but do not reach the level for a 100% rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, malaria, and a shell fragment wound scar of the right scalp region. The veteran was not granted any increased ratings.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and found that the veteran's current disability is related to his in-service injury. The increased rating claims for left leg and left eye disabilities were denied as there was no evidence of a verified stressor for PTSD, and the criteria for an increased rating were not met.

The Board has granted service connection for a scar on the right middle shin and an increased initial evaluation for PTSD.

The veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD has been dismissed due to the death of the veteran during the pendency of the appeal.

The veteran's PTSD has been manifested by symptoms resulting in total occupational impairment since the effective date of the grant of service connection, and a 100 percent disability rating is granted.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to ensure proper notice and assistance in the reopening of claims for service connection for PTSD, hepatitis, and a back disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding a claimed friendly fire incident in Vietnam that may have caused PTSD.

The Board found that the evidence submitted since the October 2001 rating decision is not new and material, thus denying the veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for PTSD.

The VA has determined that the veteran's PTSD does not warrant a higher rating based on current symptoms and evidence of disability.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability, residuals of head injury (including headaches), and an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD. The appeals were not about service connection at all.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities now reasonably render him unable to work, and the Board grants a TDIU based on these conditions.

The Board found that the veteran did not provide sufficient information to search for relevant records, and thus denied both claims of service connection for PTSD and a skin disorder (Chloracne). The veteran's service medical records were entirely negative for any psychiatric or dermatological issues. His current conditions are not linked to his military service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining his personnel records and SSA disability records. He must also be provided with proper VCAA notice regarding the rating and effective date aspects of his claim.

The veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for the assignment of a 70 percent rating for PTSD and individual unemployability due to service-connected disability have been denied as there was no claim or evidence showing he was unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation by reason of his service-connected disabilities prior to April 23, 2001.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for residuals of a left meningioma, post-traumatic stress disorder, hearing loss in her left ear, and gum infections. The Board found that there was no evidence to support these conditions were incurred or aggravated during active duty or active duty for training.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder was denied. The veteran also requested payment at a higher rate for past due benefits, which was denied as it did not align with the current law and regulations.