PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2008

The veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since July 5, 2007. The Board finds that the evidence supports a grant of an increased evaluation to 50 percent for PTSD effective from July 5, 2007.,The earlier effective date claim is denied as there is no factual basis to support an earlier effective date.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for his service-connected PTSD was denied. The RO granted the veteran's reopened claim for PTSD with an effective date of November 20, 2002.

The Board has ordered the case to be remanded due to incomplete records, particularly regarding the veteran's service in June 1970 and his mental health treatment. The claims for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric condition will need to be reconsidered with additional evidence.

The veteran's PTSD was initially evaluated at 30 percent prior to November 2006. Beginning in November 2006, the evaluation was increased to 50 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD warrants a rating of 30 percent, which is higher than the current 10 percent assigned. The symptoms described meet the criteria for a 30 percent evaluation.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is service-connected based on a verified in-service stressor.

The Board denied the veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD and a back disability. The decision found that the veteran does not have PTSD, as there is no medical evidence of a current diagnosis or link to in-service stressor events.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The case is now remanded for further development.

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

The Board granted a rating of 50 percent for the veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability (depression or PTSD) from July 21, 1992 to January 29, 2001. The effective date for service connection of PTSD was set at January 30, 2001.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder and remanded the case to obtain additional evidence, including records from the Social Security Administration and VA examinations. The veteran's claim for service connection for paranoid schizophrenia is also being remanded.

The Board has remanded the veteran's appeal due to incomplete notice and lack of verification regarding combat involvement. The case will be returned for further development.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD warrants a 70 percent evaluation, reflecting occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The veteran's surviving spouse is denied DIC benefits as she does not meet the legal requirements for eligibility, including being married to the veteran for at least one year and having a child born of or before their marriage.

The effective date for service connection of PTSD has been granted as November 5, 2004, and the effective date for a 100% disability evaluation is February 5, 2007. The veteran's earlier effective date claims are denied.

The Board has determined that the evidence does not support a finding of PTSD related to service, and thus denied the veteran's claim for service connection.

The VA has determined that the Veteran's PTSD does not warrant an evaluation greater than 50 percent, as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration disability records and ensuring all relevant evidence is considered.

The Board has granted a 70 percent evaluation for PTSD, the highest schedular rating available. The veteran's symptoms are severe enough to warrant this higher evaluation.

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