PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2005

The veteran's PTSD was rated at 70 percent effective from February 13, 2003. The VA found that his PTSD warranted a higher rating due to increased symptoms and deterioration in memory and speech skills.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is a result of verified stressors during his active military service in Vietnam, and grants service connection for PTSD.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for low back disorder, hearing loss, tinnitus, residuals of a nose fracture, and PTSD. The RO also determined that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen his claims for right eye disorder and neck injury.

The Board granted service connection for PTSD and awarded a 100% rating effective April 26, 2002. The earlier effective date of the total rating for PTSD was also granted.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability did not cause or contribute to his death due to a fractured cervical spine resulting from an automobile accident. The VA medical opinion concluded that the veteran's alcohol abuse was not as likely as not related to his service-connected psychiatric disability.

The Board found that the veteran does not meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD and therefore, service connection cannot be granted.

The veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, the maximum rating available under the applicable VA Rating Schedule.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete examination reports and scheduling of VA examinations.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for her TDIU rating was denied as she did not meet the criteria for a prior effective date.

The VA denied the veteran's claims for an evaluation in excess of 50 percent for post-traumatic stress disorder prior to February 3, 2003 and for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities prior to that date.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of January 25, 1994, for a grant of a 100 percent evaluation for PTSD. The earliest date at which it is ascertainable that the criteria for a 100 percent rating were met was January 25, 1994.

The veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, and a compensable rating for hyperopia and residuals of a corneal injury characterized by occasional pain are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including verifying the veteran's claimed in-service stressor.

The VA has determined that the veteran's PTSD, as manifested by depression, anxiety, hypervigilance, sleep impairment, nightmares, intrusive thoughts, obsessive/compulsive behavior, and latent suicidal ideation, does not warrant an evaluation in excess of 50 percent.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and remanded to allow further development of evidence, including verification of claimed stressors.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to an appropriate diagnosis of PTSD, the actual occurrence of a claimed in-service stressor, and a link between the two. The veteran's presence with his unit during enemy attacks corroborates his statement of experiencing such attacks personally.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD due to a lack of competent evidence of a current diagnosis of PTSD. The VA psychiatric examination found no diagnosis of PTSD.

The VA has determined that the veteran's PTSD does not meet the criteria for a higher rating beyond the current 30 percent assigned.

The Board has determined that additional development is required to determine the nature and etiology of any current psychiatric disability, including PTSD and/or depression. This includes verifying the veteran's claimed stressors in service and obtaining medical records from all providers who have treated her for her psychiatric condition.

The veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for verification of stressors in service and a VA psychiatric examination.