PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2004

The veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis C and post-traumatic stress disorder were denied. His claim for VA outpatient dental treatment was dismissed as a matter of law due to lack of evidence. The veteran's request for special monthly pension benefits based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status was also denied.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD. The veteran's claim is now considered on its merits.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for PTSD and hepatitis C should be remanded to allow for further development, including obtaining corroborated stressor information, additional medical records, and a VA examination.

The veteran seeks service connection for PTSD, but the claim is being remanded due to incomplete evidence and need for further development.

The Board found that the veteran did not submit a claim for service connection for PTSD prior to January 24, 2002 and therefore denied his appeal for an earlier effective date.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development due to insufficient information regarding the veteran's claimed in-service stressors and a need to comply with VCAA requirements.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability other than PTSD and granted service connection for PTSD. Further development is needed to determine the specific nature of any current psychiatric disability.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD was denied, and a rating of 70 percent was assigned effective August 14, 2001.

The veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied as there is no verified in-service stressor and the preponderance of evidence does not support a diagnosis of PTSD.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to conflicting evidence in the file, and a VA psychiatric examination is needed to determine the current severity of his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to properly evaluate the veteran's claims, including updated examinations and clarification of his need for aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities.

The veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection for PTSD, and the issue is dismissed without prejudice.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is related to personal assaults he experienced in service, and thus grants his claim for service connection.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including schizophrenia and PTSD. However, it was determined that any current psychiatric condition did not originate in service or is otherwise unrelated to his military service.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim and determined that new evidence supports her contention of in-service trauma leading to current psychiatric conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder and major depression. The claim is granted.

The veteran is seeking service connection for head injuries, a left knee disorder, and PTSD. The case has been remanded due to the need for additional evidence from Balboa Naval Hospital and verification of specific events on board USS Thomas Jefferson.

The Board denied the claim of service connection for PTSD in September 1998, finding no current medical diagnosis and noting that there was no evidence of combat or credible supporting stressor events. The appellant's appeal to this decision has been reopened due to new and material evidence submitted since then.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for PTSD and granted a new rating for the service-connected lumbosacral strain.

The Board found that the veteran did not engage in combat with the enemy during service and there is no objective evidence of an in-service stressor. The veteran does not currently have PTSD as a result of his period of active service.

The veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and for residuals of a back injury are being remanded to the RO for further development, including verification of claimed stressors and obtaining medical records. The application of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1154(b) is also considered.