PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2000

The veteran's claim for authorization of medical services at non-VA facilities is denied because the VA facility in Santa Rosa is deemed capable of providing necessary care for his service-connected PTSD.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound is denied as he does not meet the criteria for either benefit.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 100 percent due to his unemployability caused by the disability.

The Board found that the veteran did not engage in combat and there was no credible evidence of specific stressors related to his service. As a result, the claim for PTSD was denied.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that new and material evidence supports the veteran's claim of a non-combat stressor related to sexual assault in service.

The Board found that the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was not well grounded due to a lack of credible supporting evidence of an in-service stressor. The claim for increased evaluation for low back pain with lumbar strain is pending and will be remanded.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The claim is well-grounded as there is current evidence of a diagnosed condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a heart disability, increased ratings for PTSD and cervical spine degenerative joint disease. The veteran's PTSD was found to be well grounded but not warranting an increase in rating prior to October 30, 1998, while his cervical spine condition did not meet criteria for a higher rating before April 24, 1998.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations of PTSD, left temporal seizure disorder, and headaches have been denied. The RO found that the additional evidence submitted did not contain any finding or report pertaining to those disorders that would change the prior determination.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and evidence collection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and back disability, finding no competent evidence linking these conditions to his military service. The claim for an increased evaluation for residuals of a fractured left little toe was also denied.

The Board found that the appellant's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, which is the maximum benefit allowed by law and regulation. The evidence does not support a higher evaluation.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and an increased rating for blepharitis, but granted a 10 percent evaluation for his noncompensable service-connected blepharitis. The claim for a separate evaluation of multiple noncompensable disabilities was dismissed as moot.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for PTSD, thus denying the veteran's request.

The VA has determined that the veteran's PTSD does not warrant a rating higher than 30 percent, as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The veteran was granted service connection for PTSD and peripheral neuropathy of the feet, and his scar on the posterior chest wall received a non-compensable disability evaluation that has been increased to 10 percent.

The veteran's appeal on the issue of entitlement to service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder is dismissed due to his death while the case was on appeal.

The case is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and information from the U.S. Armed Services Center for Research of Unit Records (USASCRUR).

The Board denied service connection for PTSD due to lack of medical evidence linking the condition to service. Service connection was granted for lumbar disc disease, with a presumption that it is related to the veteran's in-service back injury and subsequent automobile accident.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD was incurred in service and granted service connection for this condition.