PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2005

The veteran's claims for PTSD, duodenal ulcer with resulting gastric resection, tinea pedis, and a skin disorder of the hands were all denied. The VA also denied an increased evaluation for residuals of shell fragment wounds to various body parts. No new evidence was submitted that could reopen any of these claims.

The veteran seeks a higher rating for his service-connected PTSD. The Board has ordered additional development to obtain medical records and employment information, as well as a psychiatric examination.

The veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since October 19, 2000. The Board found that the disability picture presented by the veteran's PTSD throughout the appeal period reasonably warrants a 70 percent rating based on GAF scores of 60 to 40.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and failure to provide proper VCAA notice. The veteran's claims for PTSD service connection and TDIU benefits are pending.

The Board has granted service connection for bipolar disorder and evaluated the PTSD as 10 percent disabling.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to multiple diagnoses of PTSD and other psychiatric disabilities, as well as left ear hearing loss. The veteran should be asked to provide additional details about his claimed stressors during service and undergo a VA psychiatric examination.

The veteran's claim for an increased initial evaluation for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and development of his treatment records.

The veteran's PTSD with panic attacks and agoraphobia is rated at 30 percent disabling from December 12, 2000. The veteran's bilateral tinnitus is currently rated at the maximum schedular evaluation of 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including verification of claimed stressors and a VA PTSD examination if combat participation is verified.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at the highest possible rating of 100 percent, effective from the date of his claim. The ratings for left knee instability and limitation of motion are denied as they do not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The ratings for right knee instability and limitation of motion are also denied. New evidence submitted since May 1970 does not reopen the claims for service connection for a left shoulder disability or a disability of the left upper extremity, including the hand.

The Board has found that additional development is necessary before the claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, can be decided. The veteran's reserve service and active duty records need to be verified, as well as his stressors and medical history.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including a VA examination to assess the severity of the veteran's PTSD.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Travel Board hearing. The case will be returned to the Board after the hearing.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date and increased ratings for PTSD was denied. The appeal is dismissed as the issues are inextricably intertwined with those already decided.

The Board has determined that the veteran is entitled to a 100 percent disability rating for PTSD from February 8, 2000.

The VA determined that the veteran's PTSD was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service.

The Board has granted a 70 percent disability rating for the appellant's service-connected PTSD, effective from September 30, 1991.

The veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD has been dismissed due to the death of the veteran during the appeal process.

The Board has granted a 50 percent rating for PTSD since June 12, 2001.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD does not meet the criteria for a higher rating, and thus denies an increased evaluation.