PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2005

The veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied because there is no valid diagnosis of PTSD and the stressors cannot be verified.

The Board denied the applications to reopen previously denied claims of service connection for a bilateral elbow disorder, a bilateral arm disorder, a left hand disorder, and a right leg disorder. The claim for an increased evaluation for PTSD was also denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, an increased rating for residuals of malaria, and a higher rating for residuals of shell fragment wound to the left lower extremity. The most persuasive medical evidence did not support the diagnosis of PTSD, and the veteran was rated based on his current disability level.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected PTSD, currently evaluated at 30 percent.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied as there was no credible evidence of an in-service stressor or other claimed conditions, and the VA did not find any basis for granting service connection.

The VA has determined that the veteran's post-traumatic stress disorder does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher disability evaluation, as it does not result in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board has determined that the veteran currently meets the criteria for service connection of post-traumatic stress disorder, as there is a confirmed diagnosis and credible supporting evidence linking current symptoms to in-service stressors.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional VA medical records and scheduling examinations to assess the veteran's PTSD and other service-connected conditions. The claims will be reconsidered in light of any new evidence.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and SSA disability benefits information.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding no current disability of PTSD related to his service.

The veteran's PTSD was rated at 50% prior to July 1, 2002. After a period of hospitalization and treatment, the RO granted an increased rating to 70%, effective July 1, 2002, for his TDIU claim.

The Board found that the veteran abandoned his original claim for PTSD in February 1988 due to non-response to requests for information and failure to report for a VA psychiatric examination. As such, the effective date of November 23, 2001, for service connection is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to verify the veteran's inservice stressors and determine if he developed PTSD as a result of his military service.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of PTSD was granted with a rating of 50% effective March 5, 2003.,However, the request for an earlier effective date for this grant was denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that there was no verified in-service stressor to support his diagnosis.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his PTSD, currently rated at 50 percent. The evidence showed that while the veteran experienced symptoms consistent with PTSD, such as flashbacks and irritability, he did not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to insufficient occupational and social impairment.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD warrants a 70 percent rating, which is higher than the initial 50 percent granted in March 2004.

The Board found that the veteran's service in Vietnam included exposure to stressful events, and established that he has PTSD associated with these events. The claim for service connection was granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a disability rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD and for a TDIU.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an effective date prior to March 12, 1990, for a TDIU rating due to PTSD. The RO had previously granted a 70% evaluation for PTSD effective November 17, 1998.