PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2004

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is related to his service in Vietnam and grants this claim.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the veteran's claims of entitlement to increased disability evaluations for PTSD and TDIU. This includes obtaining medical records, scheduling a VA examination, and ensuring compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA).

The veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining medical records and ensuring compliance with VA regulations.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for a 100% disability rating for PTSD with anxiety reaction, as the claim was not filed within one year of the March 1987 decision.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining more information about the veteran's in-service stressors and conducting a VA examination.

PTSD was rated at 30 percent prior to October 25, 2002 and increased to 50 percent thereafter.,Missile wound residuals of the left forearm were rated at 30 percent prior to October 25, 2002 and increased to 50 percent thereafter.,Missile wound residuals of the left upper arm were rated at 20 percent prior to October 25, 2002 and increased to 50 percent thereafter.,The veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unemployable as of October 25, 2002.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is a result of an in-service stressor and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied service connection for a psychosis and substance abuse secondary to PTSD, but granted an increased rating of 70% for PTSD. The veteran's anxiety and depression were not separately diagnosed.

The Board found no credible supporting evidence for the veteran's claimed in-service stressors, and thus denied service connection for PTSD.

The veteran's appeal is remanded for further action, including scheduling a Travel Board hearing.

The veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a hearing. The issue of service connection for schizophrenia has been reopened based on new evidence.

The veteran's PTSD with depression and anxiety caused reduced reliability from April 21, 1997 to February 14, 2000, warranting a 30 percent disability rating. On and after February 15, 2000, the condition caused significant impairment in most areas such as work, family relations, judgment, thinking, and mood, warranting a 50 percent disability rating.

The veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, the maximum schedular rating for this condition.

The veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 100 percent effective August 1, 2003. The Board finds that the evidence supports a grant of this higher rating.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for further action, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and verifying stressors. The case will be returned to the Board after completion of these actions.

The Board has determined that the appellant's PTSD is related to his military service and grants the claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that additional development is required before the claim for service connection for PTSD can be adjudicated. The veteran claims PTSD due to combat-related incidents and a sexual assault in Vietnam, but his service records do not indicate he engaged in combat with the enemy. A VA psychiatric examination will be conducted to determine if there are verified stressors related to PTSD and whether any sexual assault occurred during service.

The VA has determined that the veteran's PTSD renders him incapable of obtaining and retaining gainful employment, with symptoms approximating total occupational and social impairment. As a result, an evaluation in excess of 70 percent for PTSD is granted.

The veteran's claims for an increased rating for his schizophrenia and a TDIU were denied due to failure to report for a scheduled VA examination without good cause.