PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2004

The Board has ordered the RO to obtain VA treatment records and contact Dr. Zinar regarding a diagnosis of PTSD, and then readjudicate the claim based on all evidence.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and arranging for a VA psychiatric examination to assess the current severity of his PTSD.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected compression fracture at the 12th thoracic vertebra with spondylolysis and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations, consideration of new rating criteria, and review of outstanding VA medical records.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have PTSD related to his active service and therefore denied the claim.

The veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he has withdrawn his appeal, satisfied with the March 2004 rating decision that increased his PTSD disability evaluation from 30 percent to 50 percent.

The Board has granted a 70 percent disability rating for the appellant's service-connected PTSD from July 23, 1993 to November 9, 2001. The decision is based on severe impairment in the ability to establish and maintain effective or favorable relationships.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluation of post-traumatic stress disorder and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records, including Social Security Administration records.

The VA determined that the appellant's post-traumatic stress disorder was not incurred during his active military service and denied his claim.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD due to a lack of credible supporting evidence of the claimed in-service stressors.

The veteran's PTSD was initially rated as 30 percent disabling prior to February 3, 2003. After that date, the rating was increased to 50 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The appeal was based on reopened claims due to new and material evidence.

The veteran's PTSD is granted as it was incurred during active military service due to his participation in search and rescue missions.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination and the provision of his medical records.

The veteran's widow is seeking enhanced DIC benefits due to his service-connected PTSD. The case has been remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records from VA facilities and informing the appellant of what information she needs to provide.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for his service connection and 100% disability rating for PTSD, finding that there was no evidence of a prior claim filed before July 27, 2001.

The Board has granted service connection for depression and PTSD, finding that the veteran's current conditions are related to his military service. The claims were reopened due to new evidence submitted by the veteran.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development to ensure that all relevant evidence has been obtained and considered, including Social Security Administration (SSA) records and any more recent medical records. The issues of increased PTSD rating and TDIU are also on appeal.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient verification of the veteran's claimed stressors and a need for further development, including obtaining information from USASCRUR.

The VA has determined that the veteran's service-connected PTSD warrants a 50 percent rating, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The veteran's PTSD is manifested by anxiety and nightmares, but has not been shown to be more than mild in severity. The RO granted service connection for PTSD with a 30 percent evaluation effective from August 8, 2001. The issue of an initial compensable rating for the shrapnel wound to the right knee will be addressed in the REMAND portion and is REMANDED.