PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2005

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD warrants a 70 percent evaluation, which is higher than the current 50 percent rating. The symptoms of PTSD include depression, suicidal ideation, and marked irritability, meeting the criteria for a 70 percent evaluation under the new VA rating criteria.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that there was no independent verification of a stressor in service and thus insufficient evidence to support his diagnosis of PTSD.

The veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis C and PTSD are both denied as there is no current medical evidence of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the service connection for PTSD. The appellant is advised that failure to report for a scheduled VA examination may result in a denial of the claim.

The Board has determined that the veteran did not have an employment handicap prior to September 5, 2003 and therefore does not meet the criteria for retroactive entitlement to Vocational Rehabilitation benefits under Chapter 31.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of service connection for PTSD was granted, with the effective date set at March 8, 1999. This decision is based on new evidence received after a previous denial in February 1990.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim of service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The appeal was based on direct evidence and no presumption, secondary condition, or other theory of service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for further development regarding the veteran's claimed service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The RO is instructed to seek verification of the veteran's alleged combat and non-combat stressors with USASCRUR.

The Board found that the veteran's PTSD was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service and denied his claim.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD warrants a 70 percent rating, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance or being housebound is remanded due to an inextricably intertwined issue of service connection for hypertensive cardiovascular disease. The RO must address this issue before deciding the original claim.

The veteran seeks an increased disability rating for his service-connected PTSD. The Board finds that a remand is necessary to ensure all relevant medical records are obtained and to schedule the veteran for a VA psychiatric examination.

The veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation for PTSD has been withdrawn by the appellant before a decision was made.

The Board has assigned a 70 percent rating for PTSD effective from January 1, 2005. The veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for bilateral high frequency hearing loss is remanded to the RO.

The Board denied the claim for an earlier effective date for a 100% schedular rating for PTSD, finding that the earliest evidence showing the criteria for such rating had been met was in May 1992. The decision also pointed out errors in applying regulations regarding new and material evidence.

The veteran's claims for increased PTSD evaluation, a prior 70% rating, and an earlier effective date for TDIU are being remanded due to procedural issues under the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine if the veteran's PTSD is related to his verified in-service stressors of experiencing the Tet Offensive in Saigon and receiving fire while doing convoy runs at night. The claim will be re-adjudicated based on this new information.

The VA determined that the veteran's PTSD warranted a rating of 30 percent from May 22, 1998 to April 8, 2001.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service medical records and verifying the veteran's Purple Heart award. The issues of service connection for a psychiatric disorder (specifically PTSD) and ratings for abdominal wound residuals are to be reconsidered.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for further development, including scheduling a Travel Board hearing. The veteran's claims for service connection remain pending.