PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2004

The Board has granted an effective date of August 21, 1998 for the award of service connection for PTSD. The issue of a rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD based on initial determination is now remanded to the RO.

The Board has determined that the veteran's reported stressors, including threats and illegal activity, occurred during service. The VA examiner confirmed these stressors and concluded there is a link between the current PTSD symptoms and one or more of the verified inservice stressors.

The veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent disabling, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for PTSD, which is a condition previously denied in 1994. The veteran's military records indicate he served in Vietnam and engaged in combat with the enemy during his service. His claims of PTSD are supported by medical diagnoses and corroborated by military reports indicating exposure to combat.

The veteran's claim for a PTSD evaluation from October 22, 1992 to May 18, 1993 is considered final due to his withdrawal of appeal. For the period from May 19, 1993 to November 6, 1996, he was granted a 50% evaluation for PTSD and found unemployable.

The Board has reopened the claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD due to new evidence submitted since the last denial. The veteran's PTSD is now considered incurred in active service.

Since service connection for PTSD became effective on October 5, 1999, the veteran's condition has been characterized by a restricted mood and affect; intrusive memories; irritability; impaired motivation; difficulty getting along with others; mistrust; startle response; and occasional suicidal ideation. The Board finds that these symptoms warrant an initial rating of 70 percent.

The Board has granted a rating of 70 percent for PTSD effective from May 19, 1999 and dismissed the claim regarding an earlier effective date for TDIU.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of PTSD was granted, with the effective date set at June 19, 1995. The Board found that there was new and material evidence submitted in 1991.

The VA has determined that the veteran's PTSD and right ear hearing loss were not incurred during or as a result of active service.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the veteran's symptoms are consistent with combat experiences in the Persian Gulf War and supported by medical evidence.

The VA has not adequately developed the evidence regarding the veteran's claimed PTSD due to inadequate examination reports and unclear stressor details. The case is being remanded for further development, including a VA psychiatric examination and verification of reported in-service stressors.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining pertinent evidence and scheduling VA examinations to determine if his hearing loss and PTSD are related to service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to outstanding VA treatment records and the need for a social and industrial survey, as well as a VA psychiatric examination.

The veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent disabling, and the Board finds that a higher rating of 50 percent is warranted based on his symptoms.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing proper VCAA notice.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of May 23, 1994, for the grant of service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder was granted.

The Board denied an increased evaluation for PTSD, currently rated at 30 percent.

The veteran's PTSD was denied an increased rating, and his residuals of liposarcoma were also denied.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of the remaining issues in this appeal.