PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2004

The Board has found new and material evidence to reopen the veteran's claim for PTSD, which was previously denied in 1991. The case is now remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to verify the veteran's claimed stressors and determine if he meets the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD. The case will be remanded for further action.

The Board has remanded the case for a comprehensive VA psychiatric examination to determine if PTSD is present and related to service, including any inservice stressors. The veteran's service records include treatment for psychiatric complaints, but there are conflicting diagnoses of PTSD.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is service-connected based on new evidence submitted after his initial claim.

The September 1992 rating decision granted service connection for PTSD and assigned a 50 percent disability rating, finding that the veteran's symptoms did not warrant a higher rating.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and perianal warts, finding that there is no credible evidence of any alleged in-service stressor or medical diagnosis related to these conditions.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, require the daily personal health care services of a skilled provider without which he would need institutional care. The Board finds that these conditions meet the criteria for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The VA has determined that the veteran's post-traumatic stress disorder does not warrant a higher rating based on current symptoms and evidence.

The veteran's PTSD was granted a 50 percent evaluation effective from April 15, 2003. The VA determined that the condition warranted this rating based on symptoms such as persistent anhedonia, apathy, insomnia due to recurring nightmares, erratic moods and temper, depression with suicidal preoccupation, anger, panic anxiety attacks, social isolation and alienation, hypervigilance, hyperalertness, and dysfunctionality in relationships and at work.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining service medical records and verifying claimed stressors.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for bilateral hearing loss and an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD. The evidence did not support higher evaluations based on the current disability levels.

The veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for PTSD has been granted, but the RO did not provide proper VCAA notice and failed to obtain all relevant records. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Board found that the veteran does not have PTSD due to traumatic experiences in Southwest Asia, including combat against enemy forces.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, hypertension (secondary to diabetes mellitus), arthritis of the right hand, arthritis of the left hand, and disabilities of the wrists and shoulders. The decision also addressed claims for a disability of the left elbow but found no evidence supporting this claim.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim of service connection for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The claim for a psychiatric disability other than PTSD was denied as there is no evidence linking it to service.

The Board found no evidence to support service connection for a low back disability and denied the claim. The rating for PTSD was increased to 50 percent, effective January 14, 2000.

The Board has granted an initial 100 percent disability rating for the veteran's PTSD, effective April 14, 2004. The rating is based on total occupational and social impairment due to symptoms such as severe anger outbursts, hypervigilance, difficulty sleeping, and inability to hold a job.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have PTSD and therefore, service connection for PTSD is denied.

An increased evaluation of 70 percent for PTSD is granted effective April 2, 2003.,Prior to April 2, 2003, the veteran was not granted an evaluation in excess of 30 percent for his PTSD.

The VA has determined that the veteran's PTSD warrants a 50% disability rating, but does not meet the criteria for an increased rating.