PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The VA has determined that the veteran's post-traumatic stress disorder does not warrant a higher rating based on current symptoms and evidence.

The veteran's PTSD was granted a 50 percent evaluation effective from April 15, 2003. The VA determined that the condition warranted this rating based on symptoms such as persistent anhedonia, apathy, insomnia due to recurring nightmares, erratic moods and temper, depression with suicidal preoccupation, anger, panic anxiety attacks, social isolation and alienation, hypervigilance, hyperalertness, and dysfunctionality in relationships and at work.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining service medical records and verifying claimed stressors.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for bilateral hearing loss and an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD. The evidence did not support higher evaluations based on the current disability levels.

The veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for PTSD has been granted, but the RO did not provide proper VCAA notice and failed to obtain all relevant records. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Board found that the veteran does not have PTSD due to traumatic experiences in Southwest Asia, including combat against enemy forces.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, hypertension (secondary to diabetes mellitus), arthritis of the right hand, arthritis of the left hand, and disabilities of the wrists and shoulders. The decision also addressed claims for a disability of the left elbow but found no evidence supporting this claim.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim of service connection for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The claim for a psychiatric disability other than PTSD was denied as there is no evidence linking it to service.

The Board found no evidence to support service connection for a low back disability and denied the claim. The rating for PTSD was increased to 50 percent, effective January 14, 2000.

The Board has granted an initial 100 percent disability rating for the veteran's PTSD, effective April 14, 2004. The rating is based on total occupational and social impairment due to symptoms such as severe anger outbursts, hypervigilance, difficulty sleeping, and inability to hold a job.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have PTSD and therefore, service connection for PTSD is denied.

An increased evaluation of 70 percent for PTSD is granted effective April 2, 2003.,Prior to April 2, 2003, the veteran was not granted an evaluation in excess of 30 percent for his PTSD.

The VA has determined that the veteran's PTSD warrants a 50% disability rating, but does not meet the criteria for an increased rating.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD. The reopened claim is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and additional development is required.

The VA denied an increased rating for PTSD, finding that the veteran's symptoms did not warrant a higher than 50 percent evaluation.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain updated VA examinations and determine the current severity of his service-connected conditions, as well as whether a skin disability due to Agent Orange exposure exists. The claims for increased ratings and TDIU are also being remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case back to the RO for further development, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination. The veteran's claim of entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD remains under review.

The claims are being remanded to obtain additional medical records and to schedule VA examinations for the veteran's service-connected conditions. The effective date of any increased ratings will be determined based on the evidence of record.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including verifying service stressors and scheduling a VA examination to determine if the veteran has PTSD.