PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2000

The veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, but the Board has determined that a higher 70 percent rating is warranted based on his symptoms and occupational impairment.

The Board has granted service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and assigned a 50 percent disability rating, effective from August 26, 1994. The claim for increased PTSD evaluation is denied.

The Board has granted a 100 percent rating for the veteran's service-connected PTSD and coronary artery disease, effective from August 24, 1993 to February 28, 1994, and 60 percent thereafter.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 70 percent for PTSD, finding that his condition did not meet criteria for a higher rating based on the severity of symptoms and occupational/social impairment.

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

The veteran's peripheral neuropathy is attributed to his diabetes mellitus, not service or exposure to Agent Orange. Service connection for PTSD and sleep apnea remains pending due to the need for further verification of stressors and evaluation.

The veteran's service connection claim for a psychiatric condition, including PTSD and schizophrenia, was denied as the evidence did not show an active psychosis within two years of his separation from service.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 100 percent disabling, and he is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that a 100 percent schedular disability rating is granted for the appellant's PTSD, effective from January 21, 1998.

The Board found that the veteran did not engage in combat with the enemy and there is no credible supporting evidence of a stressor related to service. As such, the claim for PTSD was denied.

The Board has determined that the effective date for a 70 percent evaluation for PTSD should be September 29, 1997. The veteran's claim was received on October 15, 1997.

The effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD is set at June 25, 1990, based on the receipt of the original claim.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD warrants a rating of 70 percent, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Board has jurisdiction over the veteran's appeal and will review his claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, PTSD, and scars from shell fragment wounds. The issues of increased evaluation for PTSD and reopening of claim for service connection for malaria are remanded.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD warrants a rating of 70 percent, reflecting significant impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Board has determined that the veteran's original claim for service connection for PTSD was received on February 22, 1995. There is at least equipoise evidence to support a finding of PTSD due to combat duty in Vietnam. Therefore, an effective date of February 22, 1995, is granted for the grant of service connection for PTSD.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and seizure disorder. The RO is instructed to obtain all relevant medical records and provide the veteran with a new examination if necessary.

The veteran's PTSD results in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100% rating. The claim for individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is denied.

The veteran's claims for service connection for chronic anxiety disorder and to reopen the previously denied claim for PTSD are being remanded due to the need for further development under the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.