PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2000

The VA has determined that the veteran's PTSD does not warrant a rating higher than 10 percent, as it results in mild social and industrial impairment.

The veteran's service-connected schizophrenia and PTSD have been rated at 50 percent, but the Board has determined that a higher 70 percent rating is warranted based on more severe symptoms.

The veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, effective May 1985. The evidence shows moderate symptoms of PTSD but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD warrants a total (100%) disability rating due to severe impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The veteran's claims for increased PTSD evaluation and total rating due to individual unemployability are being remanded as the issues are intertwined with a need for additional medical examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims of service connection for various disabilities, including a back disability, lung disability, bilateral knee disability, post-traumatic stress disorder, and nicotine dependence, are not well-grounded. As such, these claims have been denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that there was no credible supporting evidence showing that the claimed inservice stressors actually occurred.

The veteran's PTSD was found to be productive of no more than considerable social and industrial impairment since August 23, 1994. Prior to that date, the disability did not warrant a rating in excess of 30 percent.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD, based on new evidence submitted since the March 1988 rating decision.

The veteran's appeal for a permanent and total disability evaluation for pension purposes was granted, effective June 7, 1996.

The Board denied the veteran's request for a higher disability evaluation for PTSD and also determined that he is not competent to manage his own affairs, including disbursement of funds.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his bilateral knee disabilities have been denied.,Service connection has not been established for post-traumatic stress disorder or hypertension.

The veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including post-traumatic stress disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and consideration under the proper legal standard.

The veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied. The RO found no evidence linking the current tinnitus to his service-connected bilateral hearing loss disability, and thus denied this claim as well. His claim for a higher evaluation for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss disability is also denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran wishes to proceed with his appeal regarding an earlier effective date for the increased rating of PTSD. The case is being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA medical records and clarifying whether he wishes to continue or withdraw his appeal.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD, stress fractures of both lower extremities, a back disorder, and rheumatoid arthritis due to lack of evidence supporting these conditions.

The Board has granted a 100 percent rating for PTSD effective as of March 20, 1992, finding that the veteran's symptoms have resulted in virtual isolation and inability to obtain or retain employment.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected PTSD is denied as the evidence does not show symptoms that warrant a higher evaluation.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD is manifested by depressed mood, sleep impairment, recurrent nightmares of Vietnam, and mild memory loss. The Board finds that a 30 percent disability evaluation (but no higher) for PTSD has been met.

The veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Imperial Point Medical Center on November 2, 1995 is denied because the treatment was not authorized by VA and no emergency existed.