PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent disabling, effective February 19, 1997. The claim for an earlier effective date for the PTSD rating remains pending.

The Board has granted an initial evaluation of 70 percent for PTSD, finding that the veteran's symptoms meet the criteria for such a rating. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss was also granted.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 50 percent for post-traumatic stress disorder, including obtaining VA treatment records and a psychiatric examination.

The Board has remanded the issues of entitlement to initial evaluations in excess of 10 percent for PTSD, right hand shell fragment wound scars with posttraumatic degenerative joint disease of the wrist, and left hand shell fragment wound scars with posttraumatic degenerative joint disease of the wrist.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the veteran's chronic acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety, major depression, and PTSD, is linked to his period of active service. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for PTSD. The veteran's PTSD is found to be related to in-service stressors, and he is granted service connection.

The veteran's PTSD has been manifested by symptoms such as depressed mood, constricted affect, hypervigilance, paranoia, intrusive thoughts, social isolation, interpersonal difficulties, and suicidal thoughts. These symptoms suggest no more than occupational and social impairment with difficulties in most areas.

The Board denied the veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of PTSD, currently rated at 30 percent. The evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining current treatment records from the VA medical facility in Augusta.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and found that the veteran's current diagnosis of PTSD is related to a stressor experienced during his active military service. The other issues, including those regarding the bilateral foot disorder and right knee disorder, are not addressed in this decision.

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

The veteran's PTSD disability alone does not qualify him for special monthly compensation at the housebound rate as he is capable of leaving his home unaccompanied and driving.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and lung cancer due to asbestos exposure. The rating assigned will be determined after further development.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected PTSD contributed substantially to his death, and the appellant is entitled to Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD is shown to be productive of a disability picture that more nearly approximates that of occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting an initial 70 percent rating.

The veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings for PTSD, lumbosacral strain, hypertension, and post-traumatic headaches have been dismissed as the veteran withdrew his appeal in January 2004.

The Board found that the July 1999 rating decision did not involve CUE in failing to establish separate ratings for left knee arthritis and residuals of left knee medial meniscectomy. The veteran's combined disability rating under appropriate diagnostic codes at that time warranted no more than a 30 percent rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development of evidence, including verification of stressors and psychiatric examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is related to an in-service sexual assault, and thus service connection for PTSD is granted.