PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2003

The Board has granted an increased rating to 30 percent for PTSD, which was initially rated at 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD warrants a 50 percent disability rating, reflecting moderate impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected right shoulder disability warrants a 40 percent evaluation, effective from the date of his claim. The restoration of a separate 10 percent evaluation for osteoarthritic changes of the right shoulder is denied.

The Board has granted a higher initial rating of 50 percent for PTSD, formerly an undiagnosed illness manifested by memory loss and lack of concentration.

The Board found that the veteran did not engage in combat and thus, the presumptive service connection for PTSD based on a verified in-service stressor does not apply. The VA has not provided sufficient evidence to diagnose PTSD or establish a link between current symptoms and an in-service stressor. As such, the claim for service connection for PTSD is denied.

The VA denied the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD, concluding that there was no evidence of a verified stressor and thus no link between current symptoms and service.

The Board has granted a higher rating of 70 percent for PTSD and denied service connection for the low back condition.

The case is being remanded for further development and consideration of the veteran's claim, including the additional evidence received since the last supplemental statement of the case.

The VA determined that there is no evidence of a verified in-service stressor for PTSD, and thus denied the claim.

The Board has ordered further development in the veteran's case, including obtaining additional medical records and Social Security Administration (SSA) disability insurance benefits records. The RO should again review the record after this development is completed.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 100 percent disabling prior to April 1998, with a temporary total rating starting from April 16, 1998. The other issues remain pending.

The veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death.

The Board found that the veteran's subjective complaints and noncredible symptoms do not provide a basis for service connection for PTSD. The RO's rating decisions of June 1983, February 1986, and January 1991 were supported by evidence then of record and did not involve clear and unmistakable error.

The Board has determined that the veteran's preexisting PTSD was aggravated by his active service, and therefore grants service connection for PTSD.

The VA granted a 30 percent disability rating for PTSD from October 29, 1993 to November 6, 1996. The veteran's claim for an increased rating since then remains pending.

The Board has ordered further development due to the need for additional evidence and clarification. The case is now remanded to the RO for a psychiatric examination, among other actions.

The Board has ordered further development due to the need for additional evidence. The case is now being remanded back to the RO for the requested development.

The Board has ordered further development in the veteran's case, including obtaining medical records from Dr. Gordon and deciding whether to grant service connection for a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD and/or a kidney disorder as secondary to the service-connected psychiatric disability(ies), to include PTSD.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, which was previously denied in February 1995. The case is now remanded for further development.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and alcohol abuse as secondary to PTSD. The veteran's claim of TDIU prior to April 16, 1999 was also denied.