PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2000

The Board found that the evidence submitted subsequent to the April 1994 rating decision is not new and material, as it does not provide objective supporting evidence of the veteran's claimed stressors or establish combat service. Therefore, the claim for accrued benefits purposes related to post-traumatic stress disorder was denied.

The VA determined that the veteran's PTSD does not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating, as it is only mild and transient.

The veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for dysthymic disorder with PTSD is denied as the evidence does not show that his condition warrants a higher rating.

The veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, effective from March 5, 1997. The Board found that the disability renders him totally disabled and unable to work.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD, evaluated as 50 percent disabling since August 23, 1996, has been denied. The evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under either the old or new VA rating criteria.

The veteran's post-traumatic stress disorder renders him unable to obtain or retain employment, and the Board has granted a total evaluation based on this disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD was incurred in active wartime service and grants the claim for service connection.

The Board found that the veteran's PTSD is not service-connected due to lack of credible supporting evidence for her in-service sexual assault stressor.

The Board has granted a 70 percent rating for PTSD, finding that the veteran's symptoms warrant this level of disability.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent from May 28, 1997, based on the severity of his symptoms and impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Board dismissed the veteran's appeals regarding service connection for PTSD, TMJ dysfunction, and an increased rating for major depressive disorder. The appeal for an earlier effective date for medication-induced candida thrush was also dismissed.

The Board determined that an increased evaluation for PTSD, residuals of a SFW of the left leg, and residuals of SFWs of the anterior and posterior right chest, axillary fold, and right thigh is not warranted. However, the veteran's residuals of SFW of the right flank (muscle group XVI) are currently rated as 10 percent disabling.

The Board has granted the veteran's TDIU claim with an effective date of August 29, 1990. The issues of service connection for PTSD and a higher initial rating are still pending.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected PTSD warrants a 50 percent disability rating, effective from May 1998. The right knee condition remains in dispute and is not currently granted.

The Board found the claims for PTSD and residuals of a left eye injury are well grounded, but denied the claims for a skin disorder (claimed as lymphoma) and prostate cancer secondary to Agent Orange exposure. The claim for increased evaluation for residuals of a left wrist injury is addressed in the remand portion.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for an increased disability evaluation for PTSD and for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD. The appeal is currently pending.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of chloracne has been granted, and he is now rated at a 50% disability rating. The initial disability rating for PTSD remains at 10%.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 30% and the claim for a higher rating is denied.

The veteran's PTSD was granted service connection and rated at 30 percent, effective October 15, 1998. The RO is instructed to obtain additional medical records and schedule a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board found that the veteran did not engage in combat with the enemy and could not verify his claimed stressors. As a result, the claim for service connection for PTSD was denied.