PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2000

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD warrants a 100 percent evaluation, which is more favorable than the current assigned rating of 50 percent.

The veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 30 percent for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD, finding that there was no credible evidence supporting the occurrence of the claimed stressors and concluding that the veteran did not engage in combat with the enemy during his Vietnam service.

The Board found no credible evidence to support the veteran's claimed in-service stressors, thus denying his claim for service connection for PTSD.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected PTSD is being remanded due to the lack of clarity in the current evaluation and the need for a thorough VA examination.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective April 2, 1996. The condition includes symptoms such as intrusive nightmares of Vietnam experiences, flashbacks, estrangement from other people, agitation, sleep difficulty, irritability, anger outbursts, difficulty concentrating, hypervigilance, and a startle response.

The veteran is entitled to a 100 percent schedular rating for PTSD from May 1, 1991.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is well-grounded and grants the claim based on a diagnosis of PTSD in accordance with the line of duty.

The Board has determined that the veteran's drug and alcohol abuse is related to his service-connected PTSD, granting the claim for service connection.

The Board denied the claim for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for service-connected PTSD, as it was already granted a 50 percent disability rating effective December 29, 1995.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and conducting a VA psychiatric examination. The veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss and an increased disability rating for PTSD are being reviewed.

The Board has determined that the veteran's post-traumatic stress disorder warrants a 30 percent disability rating prior to November 7, 1996 and a 50 percent disability rating since that date.

The veteran's PTSD and gunshot wound to the left arm disabilities were found not to warrant a higher rating, with the exception of his TDIU claim which was also denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and for a higher disability evaluation for his fractures of the left middle, ring, and little fingers with traumatic arthritis. The reasons were that there was no credible evidence supporting the claimed in-service stressor leading to PTSD, and no chronic or continuous symptoms of any diagnosed psychiatric condition during service or post-service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder claimed as PTSD is not well grounded, and thus denied.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his psychiatric condition has been granted, with a rating now set at 50 percent. The claim for the residuals of shell fragment wounds of the left thigh and anterior middle lower leg remains unchanged.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently evaluated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that this level of disability does not warrant a higher evaluation.

The disability picture presented by the veteran's service-connected PTSD more nearly approximates the criteria for a 50 percent schedular evaluation, but none greater. The veteran's PTSD results in considerable impairment of social and industrial adaptability.

The veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and records, including SSA disability benefits records.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and found the veteran's Bipolar Disorder well grounded. The decision also notes that the bipolar disorder claim is pending as it was reopened on new evidence.