PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and service connection, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen his claim of entitlement to service connection for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 (West 2002). The Board also denied his claims for PTSD prior to June 26, 1996 and diabetes mellitus with retinopathy.

The VA determined that the veteran's PTSD does not warrant an evaluation in excess of 30 percent.

The veteran's PTSD is manifested by intrusive thoughts, depression, anxiety, impaired sleep, and results in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. The Board has determined that the criteria for an initial disability rating of 50 percent for PTSD are met.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for CUE in a March 1989 rating decision and for an earlier effective date for PTSD. The March 1989 rating decision was not found to be clearly and unmistakably erroneous, and there is no legal entitlement to an earlier effective date.

The veteran's claims for increased PTSD, reopening a right wrist injury claim, and service connection for various conditions were denied. The denial of the PTSD claim is due to failure to meet the criteria for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent. The denial of the right wrist injury claim is due to lack of new and material evidence. Service connection was not granted for asthma, digestive disorder, broken finger (right or left), patellofemoral arthritis, headaches, bilateral hearing loss, prostatitis, skin disorders, or lung disorders.

The veteran's appeal is remanded for issuance of an SOC regarding the issue of whether to reopen service connection for PTSD. The case will also be readjudicated for his claim of increased disability rating for anxiety.

The veteran's PTSD is currently rated as 50 percent disabling, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the current evidence.

The Board has determined that an effective date of January 6, 1998 is warranted for the assignment of a 50 percent disability evaluation for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The veteran's PTSD is found to be incurred in active service due to combat stressors during World War II, and the Board grants service connection for PTSD.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected disabilities did not meet the criteria for a TDIU rating prior to November 6, 2000. The effective date of the TDIU rating was set at November 6, 2000.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the veteran's death due to COPD, attributing it to nicotine dependence. The Board also found that PTSD did not contribute substantially or materially to the veteran's death.

The veteran's disability manifested by hypesthesia of both arms and hands, as well as right foot, is related to active service. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The veteran is seeking service connection for PTSD, which was denied in the July 2002 rating decision. The case has been remanded due to additional development needed.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral foot disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than post-traumatic stress disorder. The evidence submitted since the April 1997 rating decision is not new or material to reopen the claim for a bilateral foot disorder.

The veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD and TDIU is being remanded due to scheduling issues. A travel board hearing at the RO will be scheduled.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for additional development and readjudication of his claim for service connection for PTSD.

PTSD was initially granted with a 30 percent evaluation, effective September 27, 1999. A subsequent rating of 70 percent is now granted as of June 13, 2003.,IBS was granted with a 10 percent evaluation, effective September 27, 1999.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date and increased rating for PTSD was granted. Effective from February 26, 1999, the veteran received a 30% disability evaluation for PTSD. The RO also granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disability starting May 5, 2004.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to incomplete evidence and need for additional medical opinions regarding service connection for PTSD.

The veteran's claims of increased rating for PTSD and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence, including VA treatment records and Social Security Administration records. An examination is also required to assess the severity of his PTSD.