PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2005

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is service-connected as it was incurred during his active duty.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD was denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The VA denied a higher initial rating for post-traumatic stress disorder, finding that the veteran's symptoms did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher disability evaluation.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD results in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100% evaluation.

The Board finds that the veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is reasonably the result of service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the earliest date for service connection of PTSD is June 3, 2003, as this was the date the veteran filed his claim. The effective date cannot be earlier than this due to the one-year rule after separation from active duty.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining substantially gainful employment.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD is manifested by symptoms of nightmares, sleep disturbance, and mild anxiety. The VA has granted an initial rating of 30 percent for PTSD.

The veteran's PTSD was initially granted and assigned a 30% evaluation, which was later increased to 50%. The case is now before the Board for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD and left shoulder disorder are both service-connected, with no new evidence required for either condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD due to a lack of verified in-service stressors and because he was not engaged in combat with the enemy.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD due to insufficient evidence of a verified in-service stressor.

The Board has determined that the effective date for both a 70 percent evaluation for PTSD and entitlement to TDIU should be June 11, 1994.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and an increased rating for generalized anxiety disorder, finding that the veteran did not engage in combat with the enemy and there was no credible supporting evidence of the claimed stressors. The veteran's current symptoms are attributed to his service-connected condition.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining a copy of the notice letter regarding overpayment and referring the matter to the RO's Committee on Waivers and Compromises.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for migraine headaches, left wrist disorder, and right wrist disorder. The claim regarding PTSD was withdrawn by the veteran prior to a decision being made.

The Board has determined that the veteran meets the criteria for service connection for PTSD, as there is medical evidence diagnosing the condition and a link between current symptoms and an in-service stressor.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD, as new and material evidence has been received. The claims for residuals of a cyst on the neck and headaches remain denied.

The VA has granted a 50 percent evaluation for the veteran's service-connected PTSD, effective from March 2004.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD. The claim is now on the merits.