PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2003

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional evidence regarding potential stressors and treatment records, as well as compliance with new VA regulations.

The Board found that the appellant did not engage in combat and there is no corroboration of his claimed stressors. The appellant's currently diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder(s) are as likely as not related to his military service, but he does not have PTSD due to a confirmed in-service stressor.

The Board has ordered a remand to clarify the record regarding whether the veteran currently suffers from PTSD. The case will be reviewed again after obtaining a new psychiatric examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and adjudication of issues related to PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's request for an earlier effective date of July 28, 1992 for a 100% disability rating for PTSD. The evidence did not show that he was disabled to this degree prior to that date.

The Board found that the June 1968 rating decision was not clearly and unmistakably erroneous in failing to grant service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including organic brain syndrome with cognitive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. The veteran's claim was denied.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to verify the veteran's claimed stressors and determine if he meets the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD. The case will be remanded for these actions.

The Board has ordered further development due to the need for additional evidence. The case is now being sent back to the RO for obtaining specific documents related to the veteran's claimed shrapnel wound and hospitalization during service.

The VA determined that the appellant's character of discharge was under dishonorable conditions, preventing him from receiving VA monetary benefits and eligibility for health care services.

The Board has ordered further development due to the need for additional evidence and clarification. The case is now remanded for obtaining a psychiatric examination at the VA Medical Center in Boise, Idaho.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and residuals of a testicular injury on the merits, finding that the evidence did not support these claims.

The Board found clear and unmistakable error in the July 1990 decision that reduced the disability rating for PTSD from 100% to 70%, and restored a 100% disability rating for the period from June 1, 1987 to August 1, 1994.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD and mixed psychoneurosis have been rated at 70 percent since March 5, 2000. The disability is currently manifested by significant occupational and social impairment.

The Board found that the veteran did not engage in combat, and thus could not establish the occurrence of claimed stressors. The evidence does not show that the veteran currently has a diagnosis of PTSD. Therefore, service connection for PTSD is denied.

The veteran's claim for a total disability rating due to individual unemployability resulting from service-connected disabilities was denied as he does not meet the minimum schedular requirements for a TDIU. However, an extraschedular total rating based on individual unemployability may be assigned in the case of a veteran who fails to meet the percentage requirements but is unemployable by reason of service-connected disability.

The Board found no credible evidence to support the veteran's claimed in-service stressors, leading to a denial of service connection for PTSD.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for direct service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's post-traumatic stress disorder is incurred in active service and grants the claim.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD. The case is now remanded for further development.

The VA has determined that the veteran's PTSD, currently rated at 50 percent, does not warrant a higher rating based on current symptoms and overall impairment.