PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2000

The veteran is unemployable solely as a result of his service-connected disabilities, including prostate cancer, PTSD, bowel incontinence, and duodenal ulcer.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical evidence and determine the appropriate disability rating for PTSD, as well as whether TDIU should be granted.

The veteran's post-traumatic stress disorder is granted as secondary to service. The evaluation for sick sinus syndrome with a pacemaker remains at 30 percent, and the temporary total evaluation based on hospitalization or treatment is granted.

The veteran's PTSD is manifested by unemployability, delusions, danger of hurting self or others, and impairment in thought processes. The Board has determined that the veteran meets the criteria for a 100 percent evaluation based on total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the claims for service connection for gastrointestinal disorder (irritable bowel syndrome) and post-traumatic stress disorder. The veteran's claim for service connection for left eye injury residuals is denied, as there is no medical evidence of a current disability. Service connection for tinea pedis remains at 10 percent, but an increased rating for headaches with aura is granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD was received on October 1, 1996. As of this date, his disability had become so severe as to warrant a 70 percent disability rating under either the old or new VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities. Therefore, the effective date for the 70 percent disability rating is set at October 1, 1996.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD based on new and material evidence, but further development is needed before a final decision can be made.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a new VA psychiatric examination and additional development of his treatment records.

The Board has granted a 70% disability rating for the veteran's service-connected PTSD, effective from March 1998. The RO is required to take action based on the August 2000 denial of total unemployability due to service-connected disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is service-connected, but denied reopening of his tinnitus claim due to lack of new and material evidence.

The veteran's claim for an initial rating higher than the assigned 10 percent for PTSD is being remanded due to insufficient evidence of functional impairment.

The veteran is seeking an earlier effective date for a total (100 percent) rating for PTSD, but the Board denied this claim in November 1998 and found that the increase in disability did not occur within one year before the claim was filed.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to ensure compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 and other relevant laws, regulations, and guidance. The RO must obtain all pertinent medical records, including those from VA and non-VA providers, and afford the veteran comprehensive examinations to determine the nature and severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder due to new evidence provided by Dr. G., who diagnosed the appellant with post-traumatic stress disorder.

The VA has determined that the veteran's PTSD does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation than the current 50 percent assigned, as his symptoms do not warrant a rating of 70 percent or above.

The Board has granted a 70 percent disability rating for the veteran's PTSD, finding that his symptoms meet the criteria for such a rating based on occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, frostbite residuals of both feet, and peptic ulcer disease, preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied reopening of the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, Tinea Cruris due to Agent Orange exposure, and Peripheral Neuropathy and Chloracne due to Agent Orange exposure. The RO must issue a statement of the case on these issues.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for service connection of post-traumatic stress disorder.

The veteran's claims of defective hearing and tinnitus are granted. The PTSD claim is remanded for further development.