PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2000

The appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant, and thus is dismissed.

The VA has determined that the appellant's PTSD does not warrant an evaluation in excess of 30 percent, as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the current rating schedule.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for further evidence regarding the veteran's claimed in-service stressors and their verification.

The veteran's cardiovascular disease is related to his service-connected PTSD. The Board found that the veteran's PTSD has resulted in considerable social and industrial impairment, warranting a higher disability rating of 50 percent.

The veteran's low back disorder is currently evaluated as 10 percent disabling, effective from May 4, 1995. Service connection has been granted for PTSD and seizure disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and headaches, but denied service connection for residuals of a head injury and left ankle fracture due to lack of medical evidence linking the current conditions to service.

The Board has granted increased ratings for the veteran's service-connected residuals of a gunshot wound to the right thigh, PTSD, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The combined rating for these conditions is now 30 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of entitlement to an evaluation in excess of 50 percent for PTSD, finding that the evidence did not support his allegation that his PTSD alone was more severe.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for nicotine dependence and is not entitled to a rating in excess of 10 percent for post-traumatic stress disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for headaches as secondary to PTSD and increased the rating for PTSD from 10% to 50%. The effective date is set at December 3, 1998.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of new diagnoses, including post-service diagnoses of depression and anxiety. The issues are whether new and material evidence has been presented to reopen claims for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder and a low back condition.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, the highest rating available under the old criteria for PTSD prior to November 7, 1996. The symptoms are described as causing considerable impairment in social and industrial adaptability.

The veteran's claim for TDIU is remanded due to the RO failing to consider a June 1999 submission and supplemental statement of the case.

The Board found that the veteran did not engage in combat with the enemy and could not verify his claimed stressors. Therefore, service connection for PTSD was denied.

The veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since December 1988, effective from the date of his original claim. The rating is for a condition that causes considerable social and industrial impairment.

The Board granted service connection for PTSD and assigned a 10 percent rating, but denied the claims for bilateral hearing loss disability, headaches, and stomach disorder due to Agent Orange exposure.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD warrants a 70 percent evaluation, reflecting severe impairment in his ability to maintain effective relationships and work.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection due to a lack of competent medical evidence linking his current conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is incurred in service and has granted service connection. The claim for seizure disorder, which was previously denied, has been reopened due to new evidence submitted by the veteran.

The Board found that the cause of death was not service-connected, and thus denied the claim for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.