PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2004

The Board has reopened the claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD due to new and material evidence presented, but the issue of whether service connection is warranted remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case due to new regulations and requirements under the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA). The veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being reviewed with additional development, including obtaining medical records, verifying stressors, and scheduling a VA examination.

The veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for further development and verification of stressor events.

The Board has granted a 70 percent evaluation for the veteran's PTSD, which is more than the current 50 percent rating. The disability picture shows reduced reliability and productivity due to symptoms such as flattened affect, panic attacks, difficulty understanding complex commands, impairment of short- and long-term memory, impaired judgment, disturbances of motivation and mood, and difficulties establishing effective relationships.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further investigation into whether the veteran participated in combat, which could affect his claim of service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder.

The Board has granted a 50 percent rating for PTSD, effective June 15, 2001.

The veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 50 percent for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is being remanded due to procedural deficiencies and the need for additional development.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have PTSD or a cervical spine disorder related to his military service and thus denied both claims.

The VA determined that the veteran's PTSD does not meet the criteria for a higher rating than 30 percent, as his symptoms do not significantly impair his reliability and productivity.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for psychiatric disability other than PTSD, and as such, the claim is granted.

The veteran is seeking service connection for PTSD. The RO has not verified the stressors he reported, and further development is needed to determine if he was exposed to combat in Vietnam.

The veteran is seeking a higher initial rating for his service-connected PTSD, currently rated at 50 percent. The Board has determined that an additional VA examination is necessary to evaluate the severity of his PTSD and determine if it warrants a higher rating.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date than January 3, 1997, for a TDIU is being remanded due to the need for further development under the provisions of the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA).

The VA has determined that the veteran's PTSD does not warrant a higher disability evaluation, as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 50 percent.

The case is being remanded to the RO for compliance with VCAA requirements and additional development. The veteran's claims will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD due to a lack of credible supporting evidence of an in-service stressor.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to service connection for various conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder and dysthymic disorder. The appeal is pending further development.

The Board has determined that there is a need for further VA assistance in obtaining additional medical records to support the veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD, herpes simplex virus, and hepatitis C. The case is being remanded for these purposes.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and found that the veteran's stressor occurred during his service in Korea. The claim for an increased rating for skin calluses of the feet is pending.

The veteran is seeking a higher disability rating for his PTSD, which was initially granted at 30 percent. The RO has ordered the case back to the Regional Office (RO) for further development and consideration.