PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2003

The Board has ordered further development due to the need for a psychiatric examination to determine if the veteran has PTSD and to identify any stressors related to service. The case will be returned to the RO for this purpose.

The veteran's right TMJ syndrome and acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) were granted service connection, and the ratings for tender scar areas on both breasts as a result of bilateral breast reduction surgery, right wrist tenosynovitis, cervical strain, thoracic strain, and lumbar strain have been increased to 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including as secondary to a service-connected disability, and for erectile dysfunction claimed as secondary to tremors. The RO is instructed to obtain all relevant medical records and provide the veteran with appropriate notice before readjudicating his claims.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, left knee disorder, right hip disorder, and lumbar spine disorders as secondary to his service-connected right knee disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is related to his combat experiences in service, and thus grants the claim for service connection.

The Board has found that the veteran's claims of service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder and entitlement to pension benefits need further development, including verification of inservice stressors and an appropriate psychiatric evaluation. The claim of new and material evidence for an acquired psychiatric disorder is also remanded.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected PTSD contributed to his death due to acute mixed drug intoxication, and granted service connection for the cause of the veteran's death.

The veteran's claim for a higher disability evaluation for his service-connected PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development and readjudication.

The Board has determined that a higher evaluation of 70 percent for PTSD is warranted from August 21, 1997 to the present. The veteran's service-connected PTSD results in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a 70 percent rating. A total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is also granted.

The Board has determined that the case needs to be remanded for additional development, including obtaining relevant medical records and arranging a VA examination by a board of psychiatrists.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is due to a physical assault during his military service and grants his claim for service connection.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for kidney stones, stomach disorder, skin disorder, bilateral shoulder disorder, and bilateral hand disorder. The veteran was granted service connection for PTSD as a manifestation of exhaustion during his Persian Gulf War service.

The veteran is granted a 100 percent initial rating for PTSD effective from January 8, 1996, due to his inability to obtain or retain employment as a result of the disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of adequate evidence and the need for further development.

The Board has ordered further development in the veteran's case due to pending issues and new evidence. The appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records from VA and non-VA providers.

The veteran is granted service connection for bilateral tinnitus and a rating of 50 percent for PTSD, effective from the date of the decision.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence sufficient to reopen the appellant's claim for service connection for PTSD has been received. The appellant is now entitled to have his claim considered de novo.

The veteran's fatal lung cancer is deemed service-connected on a secondary basis due to his service-connected psychiatric disorder, which played a significant role in his smoking and death. The veteran's widow is therefore entitled to Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC).

The Board has ordered further development due to the need for additional evidence. The case is now remanded to the RO for specific actions related to obtaining sick leave records from the United States Postal Service.

The VA determined that the veteran's PTSD warrants a 70 percent evaluation, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.