PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2004

The Board found that the veteran's account of in-service stressors was effectively corroborated and that his current PTSD is a result of these stressors. The decision affirms service connection for PTSD.

The veteran's claim for increased ratings for post-traumatic stress disorder was denied. The initial evaluation of 50 percent was granted as of February 1, 2001, and the evaluation higher than 70 percent as of November 1, 2001, was also denied.

The Board found that the veteran's entitlement to a TDIU arose from January 3, 2001 and granted an effective date of that date.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete service records and need for additional development, including verification of in-service stressors.

The veteran is seeking service connection for hypertension that he believes was caused or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD. The Board has determined additional development is needed, including a VA examination to determine the relationship between the veteran's hypertension and his PTSD.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that it is due to a direct in-service stressor.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected conditions, including PTSD and hypertension, materially contributed to his death from myocardial infarction. The Board finds that the appellant is entitled to dependency and indemnity compensation.

The veteran seeks service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including panic disorder with agoraphobia and PTSD. The case is remanded due to incomplete development of the stressor events and outstanding VA treatment records.

The VA determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD related to his military service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since November 28, 2001. The Board granted a higher evaluation of 70 percent effective from the same date.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent disabling from May 23, 2001. The VA has granted this rating.

The Board found that the veteran's claimed in-service stressors have not been verified and thus did not meet the criteria for service connection for PTSD.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The digestive disorder issue remains denied.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a hearing before a traveling Veterans Law Judge. The issues of service connection for various conditions remain on appeal.

The veteran's PTSD is currently manifested by severe symptoms, including depression, difficulty sleeping due to nightmares and flashbacks, irritability, anger, social isolation, problems with concentration, and reduced reliability and productivity. With the resolution of all reasonable doubt in favor of the veteran, the schedular criteria for an evaluation of 70 percent for PTSD are met.

The veteran's appeal is for a higher initial disability evaluation for his service-connected PTSD. The RO has yet to consider the additional evidence submitted by the veteran and must do so before making a decision.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim of service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder, which was previously denied in September 1991.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including verification of in-service stressors and examination to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for PTSD and found that new evidence supports a diagnosis of PTSD. The lower back disorder issue is being remanded due to insufficient medical examination records.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for PTSD was granted, effective August 3, 2001.