PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Board has determined that the VA's duty to assist in obtaining relevant medical records and scheduling a VA examination for an increased rating of PTSD was not fulfilled, and thus the case is being remanded.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and clarification of symptomatology.

The veteran's chronic and severe PTSD was productive of occupational impairment, hypervigilance, intrusive dreams, social isolation, relationship dysfunction, social adjustment issues, high startle response, minimal insight, occasional passive suicidal ideation, a severely blunted affect, poor attention span, poor concentration, poor memory, and semi-delusional thinking. Resolving all doubt in favor of the veteran, the criteria for a 100 percent disability evaluation for PTSD from October 17, 2002 to February 2004 have been met.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, effective from the date of his claim in January 1995. His right femur fracture disability remains at a 20 percent rating.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing proper notice under Dingess v. Nicholson.

The veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, effective prior to December 15, 2003. The Board has determined that the criteria for a higher rating are met.

The Board has ordered a remand for the veteran to undergo a VA psychiatric examination to determine if he currently suffers from PTSD and whether it is related to service. The case will be readjudicated after this evaluation.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an effective date prior to February 27, 2002 for the grant of service connection for PTSD. The decision states that there is no evidence showing the veteran had PTSD before April 1980 and thus does not meet the eligibility criteria for retroactive benefits.

The veteran's claim for an initial evaluation for PTSD in excess of 10 percent, from December 10, 2002, and in excess of 50 percent from August 3, 2004, is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and review of SSA records.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and denied his claim.

The veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since March 23, 2004. The Board determined that the symptoms of memory impairment, sleep disturbance, attacks of rage, irritability, hypervigilance, social isolation, crying spells with frequent feelings of helplessness, suicidal ideation, near-continuous depression, neglect of personal appearance, and an inability to maintain effective relationships reflect no more than occupational and social impairment, with deficiencies in most areas such as work, family relations, judgment, thinking, and mood. The Board granted a 70 percent disability rating from the date of claim.

The Board dismissed the motion for revision of a decision based on clear and unmistakable error due to lack of jurisdiction.

The Board has determined that the veteran's unemployability due to his service-connected psychiatric disability became factually ascertainable on March 24, 1989. Therefore, an effective date of January 11, 1993 for TDIU is granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed conditions are related to his service, and granted service connection for most of the disabilities listed. The effective date is not specified.

The Board has granted an initial 100 percent disability rating for PTSD effective from May 1, 2006.

The VA has granted a 50 percent disability rating for the veteran's PTSD, effective from July 24, 2001.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records related to a psychiatric disability. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD as secondary to service-connected disability, remains on appeal.

The Board denied an effective date prior to October 5, 1992 for the grant of service connection for PTSD with schizophrenia.

The veteran's appeal for an increased disability rating for his service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is being remanded due to the need for proper VCAA notice and a medical opinion differentiating between service-connected PTSD and any other diagnosed psychiatric disabilities.