PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2005

The VA denied an increased disability rating for PTSD, finding that the veteran's symptoms did not warrant a higher evaluation.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, due to insufficient evidence of an in-service personal assault and failure to provide specific details regarding the claimed incident.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA medical records and a VA physician's opinion on the cause of death.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the veteran's claimed stressors are supported by credible evidence and his current diagnosis of PTSD is valid.

The VA has determined that the veteran's post traumatic stress disorder results in significant occupational and social impairment, warranting a 70 percent disability rating.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, effective June 1999.

The Board found that the August 1984 rating decision denying service connection for PTSD was not clearly and unmistakably erroneous (CUE). The evidence at that time did not support a diagnosis of PTSD.

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

The veteran's PTSD is currently rated as 50 percent disabling, and the Board denied an increased rating. The veteran also filed a claim for TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities, but the Board found that he did not meet the criteria for this benefit.

The veteran's appeal is currently pending and needs to be scheduled for a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the RO, either in person or by videoconference.

The Board found that the veteran is not entitled to an earlier effective date for his service connection of PTSD, as the claim was received on June 19, 2003, and no new evidence or legal change occurred prior to this date.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before a decision can be made on the veteran's claims for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The veteran will need to undergo VA examinations to determine if he currently has these conditions and whether they are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the veteran's previously denied claim for service connection for PTSD. The case will now be reviewed on its merits.

The Board granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including schizophrenia, dysthymia, anxiety, and possible PTSD. The decision is based on direct evidence of a link between the veteran's in-service experiences and his current mental health conditions.

The case is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling a VA psychiatric examination and obtaining medical records from the SSA.

The Board has determined that the veteran's schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and therefore denied his claim. The Board also found no evidence of PTSD due to a verified stressor from service.

The veteran is seeking service connection for PTSD, which he claims developed due to stressors experienced in Vietnam. The case has been remanded for further development and verification of the claimed stressors.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD warranted a 70% rating since January 17, 2005. The effective date for a 100% rating is set at July 17, 2000.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of December 15, 1999, for a 100% disability rating for PTSD. The RO had previously increased his PTSD rating to 50% in February 1998 and granted a 100% rating on September 2001.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD and service connection for psychiatric disability other than PTSD, as well as earlier effective dates for bilateral knee arthritis and a low back disability.