PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2004

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and lung cancer due to asbestos exposure. The rating assigned will be determined after further development.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected PTSD contributed substantially to his death, and the appellant is entitled to Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD is shown to be productive of a disability picture that more nearly approximates that of occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting an initial 70 percent rating.

The veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings for PTSD, lumbosacral strain, hypertension, and post-traumatic headaches have been dismissed as the veteran withdrew his appeal in January 2004.

The Board found that the July 1999 rating decision did not involve CUE in failing to establish separate ratings for left knee arthritis and residuals of left knee medial meniscectomy. The veteran's combined disability rating under appropriate diagnostic codes at that time warranted no more than a 30 percent rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development of evidence, including verification of stressors and psychiatric examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is related to an in-service sexual assault, and thus service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and the need for additional examinations. The veteran's claims will be reviewed again after all necessary information is obtained.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to unsuccessful attempts by the RO to obtain the veteran's service medical records, service personnel records, and Army National Guard records. The appellant is seeking service connection for PTSD for purposes of accrued benefits and DIC.

The Board has granted the veteran's application to reopen his claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD and determined that new evidence supports a finding of PTSD related to his military service. The Board also found that the veteran is entitled to service connection for PTSD.

The veteran's PTSD has been rated at the highest possible evaluation of 100 percent, reflecting his demonstrable inability to obtain or retain employment due to his condition.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for consideration of new evidence received from the Department of the Army, which may affect the decision on whether new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen a claim for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder.

The Board has dismissed the appeal because the veteran died during the pendency of the appeal and thus no longer has standing to pursue this claim.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for chronic bronchitis due to new and material evidence. The veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent disabling, with total occupational and social impairment.

The Board found that an earlier effective date prior to September 28, 2000 for the 50% evaluation of PTSD is not warranted. The veteran's claim for increased rating for his low back injury was also denied.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development due to her relocation and failure to attend a scheduled hearing.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD warrants a 100 percent disability rating, effective from the date of his April 1997 grant of service connection.

The Board has ordered further development due to pending issues regarding the veteran's claim for service connection of post-traumatic stress disorder. The case is being sent back to the RO for additional evidence and evaluation.

The veteran's claims for PTSD, headaches, diarrhea, fatigue, and left foot numbness are all granted. The claim for varicose veins of the legs is denied as not meeting the criteria for a compensable rating.

The veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the RO increased this rating to reflect his current condition.