PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2005

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding service connection for PTSD and depression. The veteran's representative requested a VA examination, which is necessary to determine if her current psychiatric conditions are related to her period of service.

The veteran's PTSD was granted with a 50 percent evaluation, effective September 5, 2002. Service connection for right elbow injury and right eye condition were denied.

The veteran's appeal is remanded to issue a statement of the case on his increased rating claims for PTSD and cold injuries, as well as his TDIU claim. The issues will be returned to the Board after issuance of the statement of the case if perfected by the filing of a timely substantive appeal.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining inpatient psychiatric records and scheduling a VA examination to evaluate his left tibia fracture. The issues of increased ratings for postoperative hemorrhoidectomy and nasal septum resection with recurrent sinusitis are also referred back to the RO.

The Board has remanded the case for further proceedings, including a psychiatric examination to determine if the veteran's current psychiatric disorder is related to his pre-existing condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VCAA notice and incomplete VA outpatient records. The veteran's claim for PTSD will be addressed, including obtaining supporting evidence from service department.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 100 percent schedular evaluation for PTSD was denied as there was no new and material evidence submitted to reopen the previously denied claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current COPD did not begin during service and is not related to any incident of service. The claim for service connection for COPD was denied.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine if the veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, is related to service or secondary to her service-connected hysterectomy. The appeal will be remanded for additional evidence and a VA examination.

The veteran's initial rating for PTSD was granted, and his scars of the left elbow and thigh were evaluated at 10 percent.

The veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death.

The veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was granted with an effective date of January 15, 1998.

The veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the occurrence of his claimed stressors. The RO must verify these incidents and schedule a VA examination if necessary.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if the veteran meets the criteria for PTSD.

The veteran is seeking an effective date prior to December 27, 2001 for the grant of a 100 percent rating for PTSD. The VA has requested additional records from various VA facilities.

The Board has determined that the appellant's fibromyalgia is aggravated by his service-connected PTSD, and granted service connection for this condition. The initial rating for PTSD remains at 30 percent due to the current occupational and social impairment.

The veteran's PTSD symptoms, including reexperiencing, avoidance, hyperarousal, disorganized thinking, flashbacks, sleep disturbances, suicidal and homicidal thoughts, isolationism, emotional numbing, intrusive thoughts, recurring nightmares, nervousness, anxiety, hyperactive, short temper, quick to anger, irritability, depression, daily or weekly panic attacks, auditory hallucinations, paranoia, mild anxious mood, dysphoric or blunted affect, depressed mood, flight of ideas, questionable insight and judgment, and difficulty with short-term memory, render him totally socially and occupationally impaired. As such, the veteran's PTSD warrants a 100 percent disability rating.

The veteran's PTSD was rated at 70% effective December 2, 1997. The Board denied the claim for an earlier effective date.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including a VA psychiatric examination to clarify whether the veteran meets the criteria for PTSD.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is manifested by depression, nightmares, emotional detachment, difficulty in sleeping, intrusive recollections, and feelings of anger and resentment. However, these symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation as they are consistent with the current 30 percent rating.