PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2000

The Board is considering whether new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD. The main issue before the Board is not about service connection, but rather whether there was clear and unmistakable error in a previous rating decision denying the initial claim.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his service-connected PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a comprehensive VA psychiatric examination and additional medical records.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD, finding that the October 1990 rating decision was not clearly and unmistakably erroneous.

The VA has determined that the veteran's PTSD does not warrant a higher disability evaluation, as it results in mild occupational and social impairment.

The veteran's post-traumatic stress disorder has resulted in total occupational and social impairment, preventing him from obtaining or retaining employment.

The Board has granted an increased rating of 50 percent for PTSD effective May 21, 1999. The case was remanded and the veteran's claim for earlier effective date was also addressed.

The Board found that the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is not well-grounded and denied it. The claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for residuals of oral surgery performed in June 1990 was also denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD warrants a 70 percent evaluation, reflecting significant impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since January 1, 1999, due to its current severity.

The Board has granted service connection for post-traumatic osteoarthritis. The veteran's claims of service connection for ischemic heart disease due to beri-beri and PTSD are pending.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as there was no verified in-service stressor and the veteran did not engage in combat with the enemy during his Vietnam service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected prosthetic right eye and PTSD, as well as his claim for a total rating based on individual unemployability. The veteran was also denied service connection for hypertension secondary to PTSD.

The veteran's PTSD is productive of considerable social and occupational impairment, with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks due to symptoms including sleeplessness, irritability, anxiety, and social isolation. The disability does not meet the criteria for more severe impairment.

The veteran's PTSD symptoms have resulted in severe impairment in his ability to obtain or retain employment since July 19, 1995.,Since April 15, 1998, the veteran has experienced PTSD manifestations that do not warrant a higher rating.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD, gunshot wound of the left thigh, and shell fragment wound of the left buttock were denied. The claim for TDIU was also denied.

The veteran's claimed conditions were not incurred or aggravated during service and are not presumed to be related to his military service. The stomach, sleep, and heart disabilities have been medically demonstrated after service but do not meet the criteria for an undiagnosed illness.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is productive of incapacitating symptoms resulting in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100 percent evaluation.

The veteran's PTSD was not productive of more than mild social and industrial impairment prior to May 16, 1996. The low back strain condition received a compensable evaluation effective February 4, 1990.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD is granted, based on new and material evidence. The effective date of this decision will be determined by the RO.

The Board found that the veteran's gender dysphoria is not well grounded and denied both his claim for service connection and his request for an increased rating for PTSD.