PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2000

The Board found that the veteran did not have a diagnosed post-traumatic stress disorder and that there was no credible evidence of an in-service stressor. As such, service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder was denied.

The veteran's PTSD is granted as service-connected due to combat exposure during his tour in Vietnam.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD results in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent disability rating.

The veteran's appeal involves two issues regarding his service-connected PTSD: one for a higher rating prior to November 9, 1999, and another for a higher rating on or after that date. The decision is mixed as it affects both periods.

The Board has granted a 50 percent rating for PTSD and a 60 percent rating for shell fragment wound residuals to the left lumbar spine, effective from when service connection was established.

The Board has granted a 50 percent evaluation for the veteran's PTSD, which is higher than the current 30 percent rating. The evidence shows that the veteran's PTSD results in moderate impairment of social and occupational functioning.

The VA granted service connection for PTSD and assigned a 50 percent evaluation, which is the maximum rating available under the applicable criteria.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and a noncompensable right shoulder condition, do not meet the criteria for a total rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) as they are insufficient to render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has requested additional medical evidence to determine the severity of the veteran's PTSD and whether it prevents him from working. The case will be remanded for further action.

The veteran's post-traumatic stress disorder is rated at 70 percent effective from November 25, 1996.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a mental disorder, ischemic heart disease as a residual of beri berri, and poor vision. The Board also denied his request for an extraschedular evaluation for his lumbosacral spine disability.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, which is now considered. The case will be further adjudicated on its merits.

The Board found that the initial 30 percent evaluation for PTSD was proper and did not meet criteria for a higher rating prior to April 8, 1998. As of April 8, 1998, the veteran's PTSD warranted a 50 percent schedular rating.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently manifested by mild symptomatology, including some social isolation, impulsive behavior, difficulty getting along with others, depression, anxiety, nightmares, and difficulty sleeping requiring control by medications. The Board finds that the preponderance of the evidence is against entitlement to a rating in excess of 10 percent for PTSD.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 100 percent, the highest possible rating under current criteria. The claim to reopen his service connection for ankylosing spondylitis was denied due to lack of new and material evidence.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at a 50 percent disability rating, which reflects reduced reliability and productivity in occupational and social situations.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a neuropsychiatric disorder including PTSD and an increased rating for residuals of a compression fracture of the T-11. The RO did not certify the increased rating issue for appellate review.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of December 21, 1994 for the assignment of a schedular 70 percent rating for PTSD is granted. The criteria for a 100 percent schedular rating for PTSD are met, effective December 21, 1994.

The veteran's claim for a higher evaluation of his PTSD is granted, with the maximum schedular rating of 100 percent.

The Board has granted a 50 percent evaluation for the veteran's post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and effective as of October 15, 1997.