PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2004

The Board found that the veteran's claimed stressor was not verified and denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of clear and unmistakable error in both rating decisions, finding that neither decision was based on CUE.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD, bilateral defective hearing, and tinnitus. The RO must ensure all requested development is completed.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD does not warrant a rating higher than 30 percent, as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The veteran's claim for a higher initial evaluation for his service-connected PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting a VA examination.

The veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent prior to February 10, 1997 and increased to 50 percent from February 10, 1997 to August 6, 1998. The Board granted the higher ratings but denied entitlement to TDIU prior to August 6, 1998.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the etiology of the veteran's psychiatric conditions, including PTSD and bipolar disorder. The appeal will be remanded for this purpose.

The Board has denied service connection for bronchitis, depression with anxiety, PTSD, and a laceration on the forehead as these conditions are not related to military service.

The Board found no competent evidence linking the veteran's psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, to his military service or any verified in-service stressor.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD is on appeal.,The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the 50 percent evaluation of PTSD is on appeal.,The veteran's claim for service connection for Hepatitis C is on appeal.,The veteran's claim for compensation benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for a stomach disorder due to VA surgery in April 1992 is on appeal.

The Board has granted a 70 percent disability rating for the veteran's PTSD from July 27, 2000 to December 6, 2001.

The veteran's PTSD is manifested by depression, anxiety, guilt, suicidal ideation, irritability, memory and concentration issues, intrusive memories, exaggerated startle response, hypervigilance, sleep problems, impaired judgment, difficulty in work environment, and social isolation. The Board finds that the criteria for a 70 percent rating have been met.

The veteran is seeking an increased evaluation for his service-connected PTSD. The Board has determined that additional development, including a VA psychiatric examination and obtaining relevant medical records, is needed before the claim can be decided.

The veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, reflecting occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks. The symptoms include mild memory impairment and sleep impairment.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since July 31, 2001, due to serious or severe symptoms including social isolation and difficulty in communication.

The veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a new examination.

The veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a new VA psychiatric examination.

The veteran's PTSD was initially rated at 10 percent prior to December 23, 1998 and later at 30 percent after that date. The decision is mixed as some issues were granted while others were denied.

The veteran's PTSD has caused moderate to severe occupational and social impairment, but not total impairment. The VA assigned a 70 percent disability rating for the condition.

The veteran's PTSD has been rated at 100 percent since July 12, 1995. The TDIU issue is resolved as the grant of a 100 percent schedular rating for PTSD resolves this issue.