PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2003

The claim for evaluation of PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional evidentiary development.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of punji stick wound and assigned initial disability ratings for PTSD, retained shrapnel and scar of the left upper eyelid, and scars of the right shoulder area. The veteran's PTSD is rated 50% before December 31, 2001, and 70% as of that date. The scars are not compensable.

The veteran's PTSD symptoms have resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent rating.

The veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death.

The VA has determined that the veteran's PTSD does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 50 percent, as his symptoms do not warrant a higher evaluation based on the severity and impact on daily life.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected PTSD more nearly approximates a 100 percent disability rating, which is considered to be a full grant of the benefits being sought on appeal.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is not properly before the Board, as it was previously denied. The appeal regarding an increased evaluation for PTSD remains pending.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including post-traumatic stress disorder, is being remanded due to the need for a VA psychiatric examination and additional development of evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD based on verified combat stressor events during active duty.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development due to the VCAA and related regulations.

The Board has determined that the veteran developed a major depression due to service in Southwest Asia, and therefore service connection for a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD is granted.

The Board of Veterans Appeals (Board) determined that further evidentiary development was warranted in this case, and undertook such development. The veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development of evidence, including stressor verification and a VA psychiatric examination. The veteran's claim for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder and dementia remains pending.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD or depression related to service. The claims for both conditions are denied.

The veteran's claim for an initial disability evaluation in excess of 30 percent for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development under the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that there is no competent credible evidence linking his military service to any current PTSD diagnosis.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and compensable ratings for migraine headaches and bilateral pneumothoraces are dismissed due to a lack of timely submission of a substantive appeal.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim of service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The decision is mixed as some issues are granted while others are denied.

The veteran's PTSD is productive of total occupational impairment, and he has been assigned a Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) score of 21 to 30. The Board has granted a 100 percent evaluation for PTSD.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of clear and unmistakable error in the May 1971 rating decision that denied service connection for a nervous disorder, and also denied his claim for an effective date earlier than March 22, 1993, for PTSD.