PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2001

The Board has determined that the appellant is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and an amputation of one leg. As a result, he meets the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The veteran's claim for a TDIU was denied as he failed to report for scheduled VA examinations of his service-connected disabilities without good cause.

The veteran's PTSD was granted service connection and rated at 30 percent, which is the current evaluation.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated at 10 percent, effective from October 31, 1997. The disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it only causes mild or transient symptoms that decrease work efficiency and ability to perform occupational tasks during periods of significant stress.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that this rating adequately reflects his symptoms.

The Board has granted service connection for schizophrenia and increased the rating for PTSD to 50 percent.

The veteran's PTSD is so severe that he is demonstrably unable to obtain or retain employment, warranting a 100% disability rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings, but granted a 10 percent rating for PTSD effective from October 23, 1997.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an effective date prior to November 1, 1993 for a total disability rating for PTSD.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection and a 70 percent rating for PTSD, finding that there was no evidence prior to August 16, 1991, establishing the stressors in service or linking military service to the development of PTSD.

The Board denied the veteran's request for an effective date prior to February 16, 1994 for service connection of PTSD. The RO had already granted this claim in November 1998 with a retroactive effective date of February 16, 1994.

The Board has granted a 30 percent evaluation for PTSD, effective from the date of service connection. The veteran's shrapnel wounds to the legs and hypertension are not currently in dispute as they were initially granted service connection.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD caused his alcohol abuse, which led to his fatal alcoholic cardiomyopathy and liver failure.

The veteran's PTSD was rated at 100 percent effective September 26, 2001. He is also entitled to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD does not warrant a rating in excess of 50%, and his left shoulder condition is currently rated at 30%.

The veteran's claims for increased PTSD rating and total disability based on individual unemployability are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical examination reports.

The Board has determined that the earliest date as of which it is factually ascertainable that an increase in disability had occurred for a 50 percent rating for PTSD was May 12, 1998.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the claim.

The veteran's PTSD has resulted in total occupational and social impairment, leading to a 100% disability rating.