PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2005

The veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board has granted a 100 percent schedular rating effective from May 2001.

The Board found that the veteran did not timely file a substantive appeal with regard to an August 1998 rating decision, and thus lacks jurisdiction over this case.

The Board has granted a 70 percent rating for PTSD, the highest schedular rating available under VA's rating criteria. The veteran is also entitled to payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred as an inpatient from October 23-25, 1993.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the veteran's claims for service connection for chronic post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and a chronic acquired psychiatric disorder. The veteran's application is granted.

The veteran's PTSD did not meet the criteria for an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent from December 10, 1997 to September 12, 2004.,Starting from September 13, 2004, the veteran's PTSD did not meet the criteria for an initial evaluation in excess of 50 percent.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder to his military service, including any claimed in-service stressors. The claim was denied.

The VA denied an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for PTSD, finding that the veteran's symptoms did not warrant a higher rating.

The veteran's claim is being remanded due to the need to consider additional evidence, including a letter from his wife and statements from his VA psychiatrist. The RO must review the issue on appeal, taking into consideration this new evidence.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of July 18, 1991, for a grant of service connection for PTSD. The decision states that no informal or formal claims were filed between the initial denial in February 1984 and the reopening of the claim on July 18, 1991.

The veteran has withdrawn their appeal, and the case is dismissed.

The Board granted service connection for PTSD and assigned a 50 percent evaluation from March 8, 2000 to June 13, 2001. The veteran's symptoms during this period did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD due to a lack of medical evidence linking his current condition with any verified in-service stressor, and because he has not been afforded a VA examination. The case will be returned to the RO for further development.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD and granted a compensable disability rating for hiatal hernia. The veteran's new statements, including his DD Form 215 awarding him the Valorous Unit Award, are considered new and material evidence.

The VA determined that the veteran's PTSD does not warrant a rating higher than 50 percent, as it is currently productive of reduced reliability and productivity in work and social settings.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective September 26, 2000. The GAF scores indicate moderate symptoms and difficulty in social functioning.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and a neck disorder. The claim for PTSD was not substantiated, while the claim for a neck disorder is still pending as new evidence has been submitted to reopen it.

The Board has dismissed the veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to his withdrawal of that claim. The claims for service connection for astigmatism and presbyopia, headaches, and PTSD from March 12, 2002 have been denied as there is no evidence of a disease or injury resulting in disability during active duty, nor any inservice aggravation.

The Board has determined that the veteran has submitted new and material evidence to reopen his claim for service connection for PTSD. The claim is now on the merits.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including obtaining additional medical records and arranging for a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete verification of the veteran's claimed PTSD stressors. The veteran is seeking service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically PTSD.