PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2005

The Board has determined that the veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection of post-traumatic stress disorder due to lack of verifiable combat experience and unconfirmed claimed stressors. The VA examination did not find a current diagnosis of PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to failure of the veteran to report for a VA examination, and further review is needed.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating from 50 percent to 70 percent for his service-connected PTSD with depressive reaction associated with anxiety was granted. The RO also considered the issue of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) and will consider this in conjunction with the increase.

The Board has granted a 70 percent evaluation for the veteran's PTSD, finding that it meets the criteria for such an evaluation based on severe social and industrial impairment.

The veteran's post-traumatic stress disorder has not demonstrated 'considerable' impairment of social and industrial adaptability, with symptoms such as flattened affect, circumstantial or stereotyped speech, panic attacks more than once a week, difficulty understanding complex commands, impairment of short- and long-term memory, impaired judgment, disturbances of motivation and mood, and difficulty establishing effective work and social relationships. As a result, the initial 30 percent evaluation is denied.

The veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, was denied as there is no objective evidence of an in-service stressor sufficient to support a diagnosis of PTSD and the veteran does not have a current psychiatric disorder related to his military service.

The veteran withdrew his appeal, satisfied with the May 2005 rating decision.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for PTSD. The veteran's claim is now pending for further review.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the veteran does not have PTSD and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for PTSD due to new and material evidence, including verified stressors from Vietnam. The claim is now considered on its merits.

The Board has decided that the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD should be remanded to allow for further development of his case, including obtaining additional medical records and verifying the stressor incident.

The VA has granted service connection for PTSD and assigned a 50 percent evaluation, but the veteran argues that his disability is more severe than this rating indicates.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for a hearing at the RO before a Veterans Law Judge.

The Board has decided that further development is needed before the claim can be fully adjudicated, including verifying the veteran's claimed stressors and conducting a VA psychiatric examination.

The veteran's PTSD was granted service connection based on credible evidence of his combat experiences. The other claims for shrapnel wounds to the legs and arthritis of the lumbar spine are being remanded for further development.

The VA denied service connection for the cause of the veteran's death and denied DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 based on hypothetical entitlement to a total disability rating for at least 10 years prior to death.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD warrants a rating of 70 percent, reflecting significant impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is granted. The claims for residuals of a spine injury and a disability manifested by muscle spasm and swelling of the hips, legs, and toes are denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete information and needs further development of the stressor claims before deciding on service connection for PTSD.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that he does not have this condition.