PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2003

The veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development and consideration of new evidence.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for PTSD and a TDIU rating was granted, with the effective date set at April 1, 2001.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD is now rated at the maximum schedular evaluation of 70 percent, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD. As a result, the claim remains denied.

The veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a VA psychiatric examination and verification of alleged stressors.

The VA determined that the veteran's service-connected PTSD does not meet the criteria for a TDIU rating as his disability is only 30% disabling and he has other non-service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing or maintaining employment.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD manifested symptomatology for the period from June 30, 1999, that more nearly approximated occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in work and family relationships, judgment, and mood. Therefore, a 70 percent disability rating is granted.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD, hypertension, and residuals of a cerebrovascular accident due to lack of credible supporting evidence for the claimed in-service stressors.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is service-connected due to combat exposure, and thus, it was granted.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the veteran's death due to a lack of evidence linking his cardiovascular disease to his military service. The DIC claim was also denied as the veteran did not meet the criteria for total disability based on individual unemployability.

The veteran's PTSD has been granted a 100% evaluation effective September 17, 1996. His initial evaluations for the traumatic amputation have also been granted. The TDIU issue is resolved as his PTSD now meets the criteria for a 100% evaluation.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the veteran's PTSD was incurred in service and grants the claim for service connection.

The Board found that the veteran's PTSD was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service.

The VA has granted an increased rating for the veteran's PTSD from 30% to 50%. The current disability picture warrants a 50% evaluation under Diagnostic Code 9411.

The Board has ordered additional development to determine if the veteran's PTSD is service-connected, including obtaining information about his alleged stressors and conducting a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is incurred in service and his hypertension may not be presumed due to military service. The claim for PTSD is granted, while the claim for direct service connection of hypertension remains denied.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and for a TDIU.

The Board has determined that the VA Regional Office (RO) did not fulfill its duty to notify and assist the appellant in connection with his claim for an increased rating for PTSD. The RO is instructed to provide VCAA notice, obtain medical records from the Brecksville VA Medical Center, request Social Security Administration records, and schedule a comprehensive VA psychiatric examination.

The VA has determined that the veteran's PTSD does not warrant a rating in excess of 50 percent.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and a TDIU rating, citing due process reasons and the need to obtain additional evidence.