PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2000

The veteran's PTSD and myositis ossificans of the right thigh are currently rated at their maximum levels, with no further increase in ratings being granted. The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has found that the veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD is well-grounded and granted. The veteran was also granted an increased rating to 10 percent for his service-connected hypertension.

The veteran's PTSD was incurred in or aggravated by his active military service, as evidenced by combat exposure to enemy forces and witnessing casualties.

The case is being remanded due to the need to obtain VA psychiatric treatment records from 1987 to 1988, and any other relevant pre- or post-dating records. The appellant's claim for service connection may now be reconsidered.

The Board has determined that the veteran's statements regarding his in-service stressors are credible and consistent with the circumstances of his military service. The medical evidence supports a diagnosis of PTSD, which is related to the confirmed in-service stressors. As such, the appeal for service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Board found that the veteran does not have PTSD related to active service and concluded that his antisocial personality disorder, with attendant substance abuse, is the primary cause of his psychiatric symptoms. The claim for a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes was also denied due to the presence of nonservice-connected disabilities.

The veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, effective from January 1993 to September 2, 1999. From September 2, 1999 onwards, the rating remains at 30 percent.

The veteran's PTSD with depression and dysthymia results in mild occupational and social impairment, warranting a 10 percent disability evaluation.

The Board found that the veteran's claim for service connection for a skin disorder as residual to Agent Orange exposure is not well grounded due to lack of competent medical evidence linking his current condition to his period of active service or to his conceded exposure to Agent Orange. The claim for PTSD was denied because no new and material evidence had been submitted since the last final denial in 1983.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD due to a lack of verified stressors and insufficient evidence linking his current symptoms to service.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD is manifested by severe impairment in social and occupational functioning, warranting a 70 percent disability rating.

The veteran's claims for service connection for a pulmonary disability and PTSD were denied. The denial is based on the lack of evidence supporting the claimed in-service stressors for PTSD, and the absence of competent medical evidence linking any current respiratory disorder to exposure to toxic herbicides.

The Board found that the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD was not well grounded and denied it.

The Board found that the veteran's claimed in-service stressful experiences were not corroborated by credible evidence and did not meet the criteria for service connection due to a lack of verified stressors.

The veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted, and his abdominal scar with incisional hernia, status post Meckel's diverticulum, is rated at 10 percent.

The VA denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for hepatitis and PTSD, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The veteran's PTSD is granted as it is related to his combat experiences in service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is well-grounded and has been granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD results in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100 percent evaluation.

The veteran's claims for PTSD, hepatitis C virus, and epididymitis are well-grounded. The claims for depression, hypertension, and heart disease are denied due to lack of inservice findings or diagnoses.