PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2000

The VA determined that the veteran's PTSD does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation, as his symptoms do not significantly impair his occupational and social functioning.

The veteran requested to withdraw their appeal, so the case is dismissed.

The veteran's initial 30 percent rating for PTSD and increased rating for residuals of a shrapnel wound to the left leg, including fracture of the left tibia and malunion with varus deformity are denied.

The veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at St. Peter's Hospital from April 8, 1998 to April 14, 1998 are now covered by VA due to the nature of his hospitalization being an emergency and he having a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board found that the appellant's PTSD did not warrant an evaluation in excess of 30 percent, as his symptoms were consistent with a moderate level of impairment.

The Board has denied the claims for service connection for PTSD and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, finding that there is no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to service. The claim for a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes based on nonservice-connected disabilities was also denied.

The Board has ordered additional development due to incomplete records and non-compliance with prior remand orders. The case will be reviewed again after the requested development is completed.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that there were no credible in-service stressors and thus no basis to grant service connection.

The Board found no evidence of a current diagnosis for PTSD and denied the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and dental condition due to lack of supporting medical evidence.

The Board found that the veteran's PTSD was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and thus denied his claim.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current diagnosis of major depressive disorder is related to his service in Saudi Arabia, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient reasoning and lack of consideration of continuity of symptoms. The veteran's claims for osteoarthritis and PTSD are being reviewed again with additional medical opinions.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD, but it is not established that the veteran incurred PTSD during active duty.,The Board also found that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for residuals of hepatitis, but there is no current diagnosis or evidence of a current disability.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his service-connected PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to assess the current severity and nature of his condition.

The VA determined that the veteran's service-connected conditions, including PTSD and a gunshot wound to the right leg, do not render him unemployable due to his disabilities.

The veteran seeks service connection for PTSD. The case is remanded due to incomplete medical records and the need for further development, including verification of reported stressors.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and conducting a VA psychiatric examination to assess the veteran's PTSD.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD cannot be granted as there is no credible supporting evidence that the in-service stressors actually occurred, and therefore, the veteran did not engage in combat with the enemy. As a result, his claims are denied.

The veteran's PTSD was increased from a 70% to a 100% disability rating, effective December 21, 1992. Attorney fees are eligible for payment based on the past-due benefits resulting from this increase in rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disability secondary to PTSD and his claim for total unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.