PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2005

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA psychiatric examination to determine if the veteran meets the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD and whether evidence of behavior changes after service indicates that personal assault occurred in service.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and records review.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the previously denied claim of service connection for PTSD. The veteran's participation in combat was not shown, but there is now sufficient evidence to establish a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim.

The veteran's anxiety reaction with PTSD was rated at 30 percent from January 29, 1971, through January 22, 1990.

The Board found that the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 100% evaluation for post-traumatic stress disorder prior to September 15, 1995 is denied. The evidence did not support an earlier effective date.

The VA has granted an initial evaluation of 30 percent for PTSD, effective February 6, 2003.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and an increased rating for hypertension, finding that there is no competent evidence to support these claims.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, head trauma residuals, and postoperative lipoma residuals due to a lack of evidence supporting these conditions.

The veteran's service-connected perforated eardrum is rated at the maximum schedular evaluation. The claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD remains pending.

The Board found no evidence that the veteran's child was permanently incapable of self-support prior to turning 18 years old, and thus denied the claim.

The Board has granted a 50 percent rating for the veteran's post-traumatic stress disorder, finding that his symptoms warrant this level of disability.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 50 percent for PTSD, finding that his symptoms did not warrant a higher rating.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, Hepatitis C, Right Knee Injury with Arthritis, and Injury to Chin as secondary to exposure to Agent Orange. The veteran's muscle and joint aches and swelling are also found to be related to his service-connected conditions.

The Board has granted the appellant's request to reopen his claim of entitlement to service connection for anxiety and bipolar disorder, finding new and material evidence. The issue of whether he is entitled to service connection for PTSD secondary to sexual assault during service remains pending.

The Board has determined that the veteran's generalized anxiety disorder warrants a 50 percent disability rating, effective from September 1, 2004.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not currently suffer from PTSD and therefore, service connection for PTSD is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA psychiatric examination to address the veteran's contentions concerning her psychiatric disability.

The veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for his service-connected PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and development of records.

The VA has determined that the appellant's PTSD warrants a 70 percent evaluation, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Board has reopened the claim and granted service connection for PTSD, dysthymic disorder, disassociative disorder, and borderline personality disorder as a result of in-service stressors and not related to any pre-existing condition.