PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2004

The Board found that the veteran did not engage in combat with the enemy and his claimed stressors could not be verified. The evidence does not establish a diagnosis of PTSD based on a verified in-service stressor, thus service connection for PTSD was denied.

The VA physician's opinion and the medical evidence support that the veteran's service-connected PTSD aggravated his pre-existing gastric ulcer disease, which ultimately caused or contributed to his death. The condition was rated at 100% due to its severity.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU was denied because it was not factually ascertainable that he was unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities prior to April 23, 1987.

The Board has granted a 100 percent rating for the appellant's service-connected anxiety with depression and PTSD as of November 6, 2000.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining verification of non-combat in-service stressful events and scheduling a VA examination to determine if PTSD is warranted.

The veteran's PTSD is manifested by nightmares, which have remained stable. The Board finds that a rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD is not warranted.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD, hypertension, cervical spine disorder, and lumbar spine disorder. The veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD, and the evidence does not establish that his hypertension or lumbar spine disorders are related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and VA treatment records.

The VA has determined that PTSD and hearing loss in the right ear do not warrant an increased rating or service connection, respectively.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete verification of in-service stressors and further development is needed, including obtaining medical records and verifying the veteran's claimed stressors.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining his separation examination and VA medical records. The case will be reviewed again after the necessary information has been gathered.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and private physician treatment records. The issues of increased evaluation for left leg gunshot wound disability, service connection for a nervous condition, and service connection for PTSD are pending.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected PTSD does not warrant a rating higher than 30 percent, as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a 50% or higher evaluation under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 30 percent, effective December 17, 2002. The claim for an earlier effective date was denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to determine the validity of the veteran's PTSD claim, including verifying any in-service stressors and assessing whether he engaged in combat with the enemy. The case is being remanded for further action.

The Board has raised the issue of the adequacy of the substantive appeal and is proceeding with appellate review. The claim for service connection for PTSD is remanded due to inconsistencies in the veteran's service record and unverified stressors.

The veteran's PTSD was initially granted and rated at 30% from October 12, 1993 to January 30, 2001. From January 31, 2001, the rating was increased to 50%.

The veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since February 11, 2002 and he is entitled to a TDIU effective on the same date.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection of PTSD.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations to determine the etiology of his claimed conditions and a review of his service-connected scar.