PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2000

The veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, right knee disorder as secondary to left knee disorder, and back disorder as secondary to left knee disorder are denied. The claim for increased evaluation of the left knee is granted.

The Board found that there is no credible evidence of PTSD due to combat exposure in Vietnam, and the preponderance of medical evidence does not support a diagnosis of PTSD. The veteran's current psychiatric impairment is attributed to his physical disabilities rather than service connection.

The Board has granted a 70 percent rating for PTSD effective from November 9, 1995. The earliest effective date is October 31, 1994.

The Board denied reopening the claim for PTSD due to lack of new and material evidence, despite the veteran's assertions of stressors in Vietnam.

The Board has decided that the veteran is entitled to a 50 percent evaluation for PTSD from August 27, 1990 to May 9, 1993. The issue of entitlement to TDIU benefits prior to May 10, 1993 remains in appellate status.

The Board has decided that the veteran is entitled to a 50 percent evaluation for PTSD from August 27, 1990 to May 9, 1993. The issue of TDIU benefits prior to May 10, 1993 remains in appellate status.

The VA denied the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD due to a lack of competent medical evidence corroborating noncombat stressor claims.

The VA granted service connection for PTSD and assigned an initial 30 percent rating. The veteran's PTSD has been productive of definite social and industrial impairment, but not considerable or severe enough to warrant a higher rating.

The Board has granted a 50 percent disability rating for PTSD, effective from the date of service connection in December 1991. The issue of peripheral neuropathy based on Agent Orange exposure is not within its jurisdiction as it was not raised in the appeal.

The veteran's claim for a heart disability as secondary to his service-connected PTSD is well-grounded, and the VA must consider whether the heart disability has been aggravated by PTSD. The RO should contact the veteran to arrange further examination.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development of his claims, including obtaining SSA records and conducting a field examination to assess the veteran's daily activities and community status.

The Board has found the claim of service connection for PTSD to be well grounded and grants the veteran's claim.

The veteran's PTSD with secondary dysthymia is rated at the highest possible evaluation of 100 percent since December 8, 1997. The claim for service connection for tinnitus is well-grounded.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD as there was no competent medical evidence of a diagnosis of PTSD.

The Board found no valid clinical diagnosis of PTSD and denied the claim for service connection. The RO also denied an increased evaluation for tinea versicolor due to lack of evidence showing symptoms from that disorder at a compensable level.

The Board has remanded the case due to additional evidence submitted by the veteran's representative.

The veteran is granted an effective date of February 11, 1993 for the grant of service connection for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

The Board found that the veteran does not have a diagnosis of PTSD and therefore, his claim for service connection is not well-grounded.

The Board has granted service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder and assigned a 10 percent evaluation. The appeal regarding the denial of service connection for depression is not addressed in this decision.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD is manifested by occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50% rating.