PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2000

The veteran's service-connected PTSD is now rated at the highest possible level (100%) due to his inability to obtain or retain employment.

The veteran's service-connected intervertebral disc syndrome, PTSD and residuals of abdominal injury caused or contributed to his death from acute myocardial infarction, arteriosclerosis cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus.

The veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 is granted as there is medical evidence showing a nexus between the left upper extremity disability and VA surgery in June 1986.

The veteran's post-traumatic stress disorder results in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent disability rating.

The veteran's claim for an increased disability evaluation for his service-connected PTSD was denied by the Board of Veterans' Appeals. The RO continued a 30 percent rating, which is the maximum schedular rating available for PTSD under Diagnostic Code 9411.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), finding that new evidence, including lay statements and medical opinions, is sufficient to reopen his previously denied claim.

The veteran's claim for a temporary total rating due to hospitalization from April 27, 1988, to June 2, 1988 was denied as the treatment during this period was not related to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD, finding that there is no credible supporting evidence for the claimed inservice stressors and thus not meeting the criteria for service connection.

The veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since September 1997. The Board found that the current rating of 50 percent is inadequate and granted a higher evaluation to 70 percent, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Board has determined that the veteran's duodenal ulcer does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating, as there is no evidence of recurrent symptoms once or twice a year.,For PTSD, the veteran's condition is currently rated at 10%, which meets the criteria for mild impairment in social and industrial functioning.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 30 percent, which grants a higher rating than the initial 10 percent assigned. The claim for total disability based on unemployability due to service-connected disability was also granted.

The veteran's liver disorder and PTSD are not service-connected, and his combined rating does not meet the criteria for TDIU.

The Board has granted a 70 percent disability evaluation for PTSD and has determined that the veteran's hypertension with post-operative residuals of right hypertensive hemorrhage is not due to or the result of service-connected PTSD. The earlier effective date claim for PTSD was denied.

The veteran's PTSD results in severe, but not total, social and occupational impairment. The Board has determined that the criteria for a 70 percent rating are met.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete information and records, particularly regarding the veteran's claimed stressors in service. The issues of PTSD, skin disorder, gastrointestinal disorder, headaches and brain hemorrhage, respiratory disorder, fatigue, vision disorder, bilateral shoulder disorder, and dementia are all on appeal.

The veteran's current PTSD symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating as they do not result in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection are well grounded and have been reopened. The veteran is found to have had amoebic dysentery during service, which resulted in colitis and ulcers. PTSD was also established as a result of his military service.

The veteran's PTSD was not productive of more than mild social and industrial impairment for the period between June 1, 1995, and November 6, 1996. However, as of November 7, 1996, it has been shown to be productive of definite social and occupational impairment.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that there was no direct evidence linking his current condition to events during military service.

The Board has granted an increased evaluation for post-traumatic stress disorder from 50 percent to a higher percentage, resolving the veteran's appeal.