PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2000

The VA has determined that the veteran's PTSD does not warrant a rating in excess of 50 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's post-traumatic stress disorder resulted from his own willful misconduct during service, and therefore, service connection cannot be established.

The veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for a 50 percent rating for PTSD and a higher disability evaluation for lumbosacral strain were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show PTSD symptoms warranting a 50% rating before January 1997.

The Board has determined that the cause of the veteran's death, internal hemorrhage, was not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board found that the appellant did not file a timely substantive appeal for her right foot disability claim, and denied her claims of service connection for PTSD and skin disorders due to lack of well-grounded evidence.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary to provide the veteran due process of law and full consideration of this appeal. The case is REMANDED for a VA psychiatric examination by a physician other than the one who performed the May 1999 examination.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has remanded the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD to the RO for additional development due to changes in representation and clarification of information regarding in-service stressors.

The veteran's appeal is for an increased evaluation for his service-connected PTSD. The RO has not obtained all relevant medical records and the veteran needs to be scheduled for a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board has reopened the claim and determined that new evidence supports a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder, which is related to service. The appellant's current symptoms are consistent with this diagnosis.

The VA granted the veteran's claim for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder and assigned a 30 percent evaluation, effective March 10, 1997. The case is being remanded to obtain any relevant treatment records from the Castle Point, New York, facility.

The veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance is granted, as he requires assistance due to his psychiatric condition.

The veteran's appeals for increased evaluations and TDIU were denied. The right lower extremity shell fragment wound residuals are currently rated at 30 percent, while PTSD is also rated at 30 percent.

The Board found that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and thus, service connection for PTSD is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's need for medications purchased from a private pharmacy was reasonably met due to a medical emergency and practical considerations, leading to reimbursement.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection of post-traumatic stress disorder due to a lack of verified stressors and combat involvement, leading to denial.

The Board found no clear diagnosis of PTSD and no verified stressors. The claim was denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hypothyroidism is secondary to his service-connected PTSD and granted this claim.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD with dysthymia is currently rated at 50 percent, effective from September 18, 1991. The Board found that the symptoms do not warrant a higher rating.

The veteran's post-traumatic stress disorder resulted in severe social and industrial impairment prior to June 3, 1999, warranting a 70 percent rating.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities effectively preclude him from gainful employment, and the Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.