PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2003

The veteran's application for Service Disabled Veterans' Insurance was denied because it was not filed within the required two-year period after his service connection for PTSD was granted.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service connection claims for post-traumatic stress disorder and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are mixed, with some issues granted and others not. The veteran served in Vietnam during the Vietnam era and is presumed to have been exposed to herbicides like Agent Orange. However, there is no conclusive evidence of a combat-related stressor for PTSD, and the VA has scheduled an examination to determine if this diagnosis can be supported by verified incidents. For COPD, the Board found that exposure to chemicals in Vietnam may have contributed to the veteran's condition.

The Board has ordered further development due to the need for additional evidence or clarification. The case is now being sent back to the RO for a psychiatric examination and other necessary actions.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for PTSD and found that a current diagnosis of PTSD supports this. The veteran's sexual assault during service is considered a stressor, meeting the criteria for PTSD.

The Board has denied an increased rating for PTSD and the effective date prior to May 9, 2000. The case is being remanded due to procedural issues related to the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a PTSD examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's post-traumatic stress disorder warrants a 70 percent rating, reflecting total occupational and social impairment.

The VA denied the veteran's claim to reopen his PTSD service connection due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has determined that the veteran's allegations of in-service sexual and physical assault are credible, and she is entitled to a VA medical examination for an opinion on whether her current PTSD is related to service. The case will be remanded for further development.

The Board has ordered further development due to the need for additional evidence. The case is now being remanded for a VA psychiatric examination and review of documents.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA) has decided that the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied. The appeal is based on a direct link between the veteran's reported in-service stressful experiences and his current PTSD symptoms.

The Board has ordered further development due to the need for additional evidence regarding the veteran's claimed PTSD. The case will be returned to the RO for this purpose.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is a result of combat experienced in Vietnam and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the veteran's current diagnosis of PTSD is related to his military service. The TDIU issue will be addressed in a separate remand.

The Board has ordered further development in the veteran's case due to pending issues and evidence. The appeal is currently remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records from various VA facilities.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and an effective date earlier than August 4, 1998, for the award of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was also denied.

The Board has ordered further development in your case, including obtaining medical records and Social Security Administration reports. The appeal will be remanded for these actions.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent since October 19, 2000. The Board has determined that the criteria for a 100 percent rating are met as of December 26, 2001.

The veteran's request for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a hearing before the Board at the RO in New York, New York.