PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2005

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for PTSD, which was previously denied in September 1987. The issue is now addressed on its merits.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including verification of claimed stressors and a VA examination to assess the veteran's bilateral retropatellar syndrome. The service connection issue for PTSD remains pending as it is unclear whether the veteran engaged in combat with the enemy.

The veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and a TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and conducting another mental status examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence to corroborate the veteran's claimed in-service stressors, and a VA psychiatric examination is required to determine if PTSD is related to these events.

The Board found that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection of PTSD, as the veteran's previous claims were denied in June 1999. The current submission does not provide sufficient new information.

The veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, the maximum schedular rating for this condition.

The Board has determined that the veteran experienced sexual trauma in service, which resulted in PTSD. As a result, the claim for service connection for PTSD is granted.

The VA determined that the veteran's vocational goal is not reasonably feasible due to his service-connected disabilities, which prevent him from successfully pursuing a program of higher education and employment.

The veteran's sole service-connected disability, PTSD, rated as 100 percent disabling, does not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on housebound status due to his inability to leave his home and receive necessary medical treatment.

The veteran's claim for increased ratings for PTSD and bilateral hearing loss was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for either condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and further examination is needed to determine if PTSD was incurred in service.

The veteran's service in Vietnam, including minesweeping operations, has been verified. The Board finds that the veteran's current diagnosis of PTSD is related to his service and grants service connection for PTSD.

The veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since April 1, 2004.

The Board has granted an increased evaluation of 30 percent for PTSD and denied the claims for a rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus and service connection for a heart condition. The veteran's PTSD is currently manifested by symptoms such as depressed mood, anxiety, and suspiciousness without more severe manifestations.

The VA granted a 30 percent evaluation for the residuals of cold injury to both feet, effective October 4, 2004. The veteran's claim for PTSD was not granted.

The VA has determined that the veteran's PTSD does not warrant a disability evaluation in excess of 30 percent.

The VA determined that the veteran's anxiety disorder with PTSD causes occupational and social impairment, but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The veteran's claim for TDIU was granted effective September 28, 1998, as he met the schedular criteria for a combined rating of 70% due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that there is no credible supporting evidence of an in-service stressor for PTSD, and therefore the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD cannot be granted.

The veteran seeks service connection for PTSD, which was denied in the initial decision. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and re-adjudicate the claim.