PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2000

During the period from July 5, 1995 until July 28, 1997, the veteran's PTSD was productive of considerable industrial impairment.,The veteran experienced difficulty in establishing and maintaining effective work and social relationships due to symptoms such as anger, depression, and intrusive thoughts.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for higher ratings for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and PTSD, finding that the evidence does not support a rating in excess of the initial evaluations assigned.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and hepatitis, and has found that his current right shoulder disorder is not related to his military service. The veteran's hepatitis remains noncompensably disabling.

The Board has determined that there is competent medical evidence linking the veteran's PTSD to his military service, and thus the claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD is granted.

The veteran's hypertension was not service-connected, but his PTSD disability rating prior to January 6, 1999 was increased from 30% to 70%. The veteran is currently rated at 70% for PTSD after that date.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his PTSD is being remanded due to the failure to appear for scheduled VA examinations and the need for further development, including a VA special psychiatric examination.

The veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since June 1999 and the Board has now granted a 100 percent rating based on total occupational and social impairment due to symptoms including diminished motivation, poor communication skills, memory, concentration, insight and judgment, severe reclusiveness, substantial cognitive impairment, auditory hallucinations, episodes of dissociation and disorientation, flattened affect, hyperarousal, violent anger and irritability, anxiety, depression, intrusive and traumatic thoughts, flashbacks, diminished motivation and mood control, occasional disorientation as to time and ideas of reference.

The Board denied the reopening of the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted to support the claim.

The VA granted service connection for PTSD and assigned a 30 percent evaluation effective from October 28, 1993. The veteran's PTSD is characterized by depression, anxiety, and severe impairment in maintaining effective relationships.

The veteran's PTSD has caused total occupational impairment and has rendered him unemployable, leading to a 100 percent disability evaluation.

The veteran's posttraumatic stress disorder has been rated at 100% disabling, indicating total occupational and social impairment. His claim for a total rating based on individual unemployability is granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted. The decision was based on the lack of credible evidence showing combat involvement or verified stressors.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and PTSD are service-connected, with no new evidence submitted to reopen the claims.

The Board found that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD or psychosis related to his military service and denied the claim for service connection.

The veteran's post-traumatic stress disorder is currently rated at 30 percent, effective October 13, 1993. The Board has found that an evaluation in excess of 30 percent for the veteran's post-traumatic stress disorder is not warranted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD and tinnitus of the left ear are service-connected, with a noncompensable evaluation for tinnitus initially granted. The veteran's PTSD is found to be related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine the appropriate evaluations for PTSD prior to and subsequent to February 5, 1998.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals found that the claim of service connection for PTSD is not well-grounded and denied it.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD because there was no credible evidence of an in-service stressor and the veteran did not provide any specific information regarding his claimed stressors.

The Board granted service connection for PTSD effective July 21, 1986 and a total rating based on unemployability due to service-connected disabilities effective April 15, 1989. The veteran's appeal was denied in March 1988.