PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2005

The competent and probative medical evidence does not support a finding of current PTSD related to service, or that the RO has been able to verify any claimed in-service stressors.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to a procedural error and requests that all relevant records be obtained, including SSA disability benefits information and VA medical records.

The veteran's PTSD was previously rated at 10 percent, but the Board has now determined that a higher rating of 30 percent is warranted effective September 2003.

The VA determined that the veteran's PTSD does not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating, as his symptoms do not warrant an evaluation greater than 30 percent.

The Board has granted a 50% rating for PTSD, finding that the veteran's symptoms result in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting examinations to determine if the veteran has PTSD or a gastrointestinal disorder related to his service.

The Board finds that the veteran's pre-existing pes planus did not increase in severity during his active service and is therefore entitled to a presumption of soundness. The claim for PTSD remains pending as there was no adjudication on this issue.

The veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and his claim for hypertension secondary to PTSD was denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have PTSD or a low back disorder that is service-connected. The evidence currently of record does not link these conditions to his military service.

The veteran's PTSD is manifested by totally incapacitating symptoms resulting in virtual isolation in the community, disturbed thought or behavioral processes associated with almost all daily activities, and the demonstrated inability to obtain or retain employment. The Board has determined that a 100 percent disability rating for PTSD is warranted.

The veteran's claims for increased rating of sarcoidosis, service connection for hypertension, and PTSD are being remanded due to procedural issues and the need for additional evidence.

The VA determined that the veteran's service-connected PTSD does not preclude him from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment, thus denying his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The veteran's claim for an effective date prior to April 27, 2000 for service connection of residuals of a cerebrovascular accident was granted. His claim for increased rating for post-traumatic stress disorder and depression resulted in a grant of a 100% rating.

The veteran's PTSD results in significant occupational and social impairment, but does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board found that the veteran was entitled to an effective date of February 23, 2005 for his service-connected PTSD based on new evidence received after his initial claim in October 1987.

The veteran's PTSD was granted a subsequent higher rating of 30 percent effective November 15, 2002.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate diagnosis of PTSD and need for additional action, including obtaining VA mental health clinic records, scheduling a VA psychiatric examination, and attempting to verify stressors.

The veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for notification and additional development, including extraschedular consideration.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development and consideration.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and need for further examination. The veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder is pending.