PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2004

The Board found that there is no credible evidence to corroborate the veteran's statements regarding the occurrence of the claimed in-service sexual assault, and thus denied service connection for PTSD.

The veteran's appeal for a higher rating of his service-connected PTSD disability remains before the Board. The RO is instructed to obtain all available inpatient and outpatient treatment records from the VA Medical Center in Bay Pines, Florida for the period from July 2000 to the present.

The veteran's skin disorder and PTSD were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The claim for schizophrenia was denied due to lack of new and material evidence.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD and right leg disability have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, warranting a total rating for compensation purposes.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for post-traumatic stress disorder is being remanded due to the need for a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.

The Board finds that the August 1990 rating decision denying service connection for PTSD did not contain clear and unmistakable error. The veteran's claim is denied as there was no confirmation of PTSD, and he failed to provide necessary evidence.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for additional development due to procedural issues and to obtain necessary medical records.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations and issuance of a supplemental statement of the case.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and the need for a VA examination.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim for an effective date prior to October 5, 2001 for the grant of service connection for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for further development, including obtaining verification of inservice stressors and VA/VA examination for PTSD. Service connection will be considered on a secondary basis as his conditions are linked to his service-connected back injury.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected PTSD is remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records and a new psychiatric examination.

The veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus due to Agent Orange exposure was denied. His claim for an increased evaluation of post-traumatic stress disorder remains pending.

The Board found no clear and unmistakable error in the denial of service connection for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The evidence did not confirm the veteran's reported stressor.

The veteran's post-traumatic stress disorder is currently rated at 50 percent effective from March 5, 2004. The VA has determined that the disability significantly impacts his occupational and social functioning.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that his reported stressors occurred during active duty in Vietnam. The earlier effective date issue for additional pension benefits for the veteran's children is referred back to the RO for issuance of a statement of the case.

The Board has established service connection for PTSD based on credible supporting evidence of the veteran's in-service stressors, including sexual harassment and assault.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine if the veteran meets the criteria for service connection for PTSD, coronary artery disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder. The claims are being remanded to allow for additional evidence collection and a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and cold injury residuals of both feet, do not preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The veteran's PTSD is being remanded for a new examination to determine the current severity of his condition, as there are indications that it has worsened since the last evaluation.