PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2004

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, PTSD, a low back disorder, and a lung disorder claimed as lung scarring. The claim to reopen a throat disorder was also denied due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and informing the veteran of her rights regarding personal assault stressors.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD, finding that there was no evidence to support a diagnosis of PTSD and concluding that the veteran did not have this condition as a result of his combat service in Vietnam.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD is manifested by total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100 percent evaluation for the entirety of his claim period.

The veteran's need for aid and attendance of another person or being housebound due to his service-connected conditions is under review. The case has been remanded for further examination.

The veteran's claim for an increased disability evaluation for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for compliance with VCAA notice requirements.

The Board dismissed the appeal because the veteran had died, and thus no jurisdiction remained to adjudicate the issues of disability ratings for PTSD.

The Board has ordered the case to be remanded for further development due to compliance issues with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA). The veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD will be reconsidered after additional evidence is provided and considered.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected bilateral knee disabilities and entitlement to a total compensation rating based on individual unemployability were denied. The appeal is not about service connection at all.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for higher initial evaluations for PTSD and migraine headaches due to incomplete development of evidence, including obtaining VA examinations and identifying all medical providers who have treated him for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to errors in previous decisions and the need to comply with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA). The veteran's claim for a permanent 100 percent evaluation for PTSD is now pending.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD was incurred in service and granted service connection for this condition.

The veteran's PTSD symptoms have resulted in a 70 percent evaluation until April 28, 1997. Effective from that date, the veteran is unemployable and thus meets the criteria for a 100 percent rating.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, which reflects the severity of symptoms such as occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks due to depression, anxiety, nightmares, intrusive thoughts, chronic sleep impairment, and occasional flashbacks.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the veteran's claimed stressors and the relationship between his psychiatric disorders and service. The RO is instructed to obtain additional medical records, including from SSA, and arrange for a VA examination to determine if the veteran's current psychiatric conditions are related to service.

The Board found that the veteran's sleep apnea is not related to service, including exposure to Agent Orange. The claim for service connection was denied.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, indicating significant impairment in social and occupational functioning.,The veteran's right shoulder disability is rated at 40 percent, reflecting marked or severe limitation of motion.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating of his service-connected PTSD, currently evaluated at 50 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is a direct result of his service, and thus grants the claim for service connection.

The veteran's appeal for an evaluation in excess of 50 percent for PTSD is being remanded to the RO for further development and consideration.