PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2003

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and bilateral foot injuries incurred as a POW, make him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The veteran seeks an initial evaluation in excess of 50 percent for his service-connected PTSD. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and conduct a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a bilateral shoulder disorder, right hip disorder, blurred vision, arthritis (other than that which had already been service connected), peripheral neuropathy, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The decision also denied increased disability ratings for certain disabilities.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder and migraine headaches.

The VA has determined that the veteran's PTSD does not warrant an evaluation in excess of 30 percent, as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is service-connected, as his reported stressor of witnessing a helicopter crash during active duty was found to be credible and supported by medical evidence.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD due to a lack of credible supporting evidence that the claimed in-service stressor occurred.

Service connection was granted for osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine with a 10% disability evaluation, effective from December 6, 1996. The veteran's claims for post-traumatic stress disorder and undiagnosed illness-related conditions remain pending.

The Board found no credible evidence of a service stressor and concluded that the veteran did not have a post-traumatic stress disorder related to service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine if the veteran had combat service and whether his PTSD is related to a confirmed stressor. The claim will be reconsidered after this additional development.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have service connection for hypertension and is granted a 30 percent disability rating for PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 and further development is required.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, prostate condition, and an illness manifested by dizziness due to a lack of evidence showing these conditions were incurred or aggravated during his military service.

The veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since September 27, 2000. The RO granted a higher evaluation for his PTSD based on the severity of his symptoms.

The Board found that the veteran does not have PTSD and thus denied his claim of service connection for PTSD.

During the period from September 17, 1998 through April 11, 2001, the veteran's PTSD was manifested by occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity due to various symptoms.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected PTSD warrants a rating of 70 percent, reflecting total occupational and social impairment.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development and compliance with VCAA requirements.

The Board has determined that there is no current evidence to support an increased disability rating for PTSD or lumbosacral strain, and thus the appeal is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, finding that PTSD was incurred in wartime service and was a principal cause of his death.