PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2000

The Board has denied service connection for bipolar disorder and PTSD as there is no evidence of these conditions during or within one year after service, and the claimed stressors have not been verified. The veteran's symptoms are presumed to have developed post-service.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD is rated at 100 percent, the highest possible rating under current VA regulations.

The veteran's PTSD is now rated at the highest possible evaluation of 70 percent, reflecting severe impairment in his ability to establish and maintain effective or favorable relationships.

The VA has determined that the veteran's PTSD does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation beyond 30 percent, as his symptoms do not warrant a rating of 50 percent or above.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 100% from the initial grant of service connection, and his lumbar spine disability was not found to be related to service.

The VA has granted an increased rating to 30 percent for the veteran's service-connected PTSD, effective from March 18, 1999. The Board found that the veteran's PTSD does not meet or nearly approximate the level of disability required for a higher evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination to determine if the veteran currently has PTSD and whether it is related to service. The issue of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD, including alcohol and drug addictions, is also being considered.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD and hypertension are not rated higher, as the evidence does not meet criteria for a higher rating under current VA regulations.

The veteran's PTSD, previously diagnosed as chronic anxiety state, is rated at 70 percent effective June 22, 1998. His status post duodenal ulcer with recurrent episgastic complaints remains at a 10 percent rating. Service connection for hypertension secondary to PTSD has been granted.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and a heart disorder, claiming it as a residual of scarlet fever. The issues were not remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has determined that a remand is required due to the need for further development, including solicitation of a stressor statement and an effort to verify the claimed stressors. The veteran was requested to provide evidence of behavioral changes at the time of the alleged stressor and to list any fellow Marines or civilians who may be able to provide lay statements regarding the occurrence of the claimed stressor.

PTSD was granted as service-connected, and headaches and memory loss due to undiagnosed illness were also granted. However, rectal bleeding due to an undiagnosed illness remains denied.,The veteran's PTSD is presumed based on combat experience in the Persian Gulf War.

The veteran's PTSD with dysthymia warrants a 70 percent disability rating, effective from December 29, 1995. The appeal for an earlier effective date and TDIU was denied.

The Board has determined that a 30 percent rating for post-traumatic stress disorder is warranted from July 26, 1994.

The veteran's PTSD is assigned an initial 30 percent disability evaluation, reflecting occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks.

The veteran's claims for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder, headaches and dizziness, gastrointestinal signs or symptoms, fatigue and muscle pain, and allergic rhinitis have all been denied. The Board found that the veteran did not present objective indications of chronic disability for any of these conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an effective date prior to October 26, 1998 and a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD. The RO assigned an effective date of October 26, 1998 based on VA treatment records from that date.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and multiple orthopedic issues, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted a total rating based on individual unemployability due to these conditions.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his PTSD, currently rated at 30 percent.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, cervical spine degenerative arthritis, and other conditions, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.