PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2000

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the criteria in effect prior to and on November 7, 1996.

The veteran's claim for an initial rating of 70 percent or higher for post-traumatic stress disorder has been granted, with the effective date to be determined based on the new evidence provided.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder and an increased rating for service-connected hearing loss, finding that there was no evidence of PTSD in service or a current diagnosis thereof. The veteran's hearing loss is currently rated as 0 percent (noncompensable).

The Board has determined that the veteran's anxiety disorder with associated depression, diagnosed as PTSD, was incurred in service and grants service connection for this condition.

The veteran's PTSD was rated at 100 percent effective from January 4, 1995.

The Board found that the veteran does not meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD and denied his claim of service connection.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, stating that no evidence showed any service-connected disability contributed to his death.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU, as well as a higher evaluation for PTSD. The decision was based on the evidence of record at that time.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of issues related to PTSD and right thumb impairment. The veteran's claims for increased evaluations remain on appeal.

The Board finds that the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, back disability, bilateral shoulder disability and PTSD are not well-grounded.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is incurred during his active military service and grants the claim for service connection.

The Board found that the veteran's substantive appeal was not timely filed and denied his claim for reopening of PTSD service connection due to lack of new and material evidence.

The veteran's post-traumatic stress disorder is rated at the highest possible disability level (100%) due to its severe impairment in his ability to obtain or retain employment.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at the highest possible evaluation of 100 percent, effective from April 20, 1998. The veteran has also been granted a total disability rating for compensation purposes due to his service-connected PTSD.

The veteran was granted a 100% rating for PTSD effective February 28, 1996. The appeal is based on the original grant of service connection and subsequent increase in rating.

The Board found that the veteran does not have PTSD and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the submitted evidence is not new and material, thus denying the reopening of the claim for service connection for a nervous disorder including PTSD.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals found that the veteran's service in retrieving bodies from the Golden Gate Bridge did constitute a stressor, and thus PTSD was incurred in active service. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims are well-grounded for chronic fatigue, memory loss, and a psychiatric disability. However, service connection is denied for gastrointestinal and respiratory disabilities due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to military service or an undiagnosed illness.

The Board has granted a 100% disability rating for PTSD effective from March 17, 1994. The veteran's claim was based on his unemployability due to PTSD symptoms.