PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2004

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD and schizophrenia, finding no competent evidence linking the current condition to active duty. The claim of a back disability was also denied as there is no competent evidence showing it began during or due to active duty.,There is no credible evidence linking either the diagnosed psychiatric disorder or the back disability to service.

The Board found no evidence of a left ankle disability or PTSD related to service. The veteran's claim for Agent Orange exposure was not substantiated.

The veteran's PTSD was incurred in active service and the claim is granted.

The Board has found new and material evidence to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, which was previously denied. The claim is now granted.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, which was previously denied in July 1999. The appellant's claims file was reviewed, and he reported experiencing traumatic events during his time in Vietnam.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and needs further medical opinions and information from the Department of the Army.

The veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent prior to January 11, 2004. The issue of TDIU is now moot due to the assignment of a 100% rating for PTSD.

The veteran's claims for an effective date prior to June 26, 1995 for the assignment of a schedular evaluation of 100 percent for PTSD with depression and for the grant of a TDIU were granted.

The Board is remanding the case to determine if new and material evidence has been received to reopen a claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability other than PTSD. The issue of whether the appellant had qualifying service for VA benefits related to his claimed PTSD will also be addressed.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA cardiologist's opinion on whether PTSD contributed to or aggravated the veteran's heart disease and death.

The veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since April 4, 1994. The RO increased the rating to 70 percent effective January 17, 2003, and to 100 percent effective May 25, 1999.

The Board has determined that the veteran's reported experiences during service, including receiving enemy fire and checking for booby traps, are sufficient to establish PTSD. The claim is granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that there was no credible evidence of an in-service stressor and thus no current diagnosis of PTSD.

The Board has determined that the veteran did not engage in combat with an enemy and his claimed PTSD stressors are not supported by credible evidence. As a result, service connection for PTSD is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD and alcoholism are service-connected, but his acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD is not. The appeal was reopened on new evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to service connection for PTSD, asthma, and neuropathy of the left superficial peroneal nerve. The RO is instructed to address these issues in accordance with VA regulations and procedures.

The Board found that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA psychiatric examination to determine the current severity of his PTSD. The case will be readjudicated after this new evidence has been considered.

The veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for further development regarding the veteran's claims of sexual assault and its impact on his PTSD diagnosis.