PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2001

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective from May 5, 1999. The VA determined that the symptoms of PTSD, including suicidal ideation, impaired speech and impulse control, an inability to handle stressful circumstances, and an inability to establish and maintain effective relationships, meet the criteria for a 70 percent rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD, finding that there was no credible supporting evidence that the claimed in-service stressors actually occurred.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to ensure compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 and to obtain a thorough examination for PTSD.

The Board found that the veteran's PTSD was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service, as there is no credible supporting evidence of an in-service stressor to support a diagnosis of PTSD related to military service.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected PTSD with dysthymic reaction and anxiety attacks has caused some industrial impairment and impairment in maintaining relationships, resulting in occupational and social impairment with an occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks. The initial evaluation of 30 percent is proper.

The veteran's application for Service Disabled Veterans' Insurance was denied because it was not filed within the required two-year period after his service connection for PTSD was granted in March 1997.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has granted an increased evaluation for the veteran's PTSD to 70 percent, effective as of the date of the decision.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings were granted, with the exception of the claim for rhinitis which was not addressed due to lack of medical evidence. The other conditions received a 10 percent rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD and service connection for lymphocytosis, finding that his PTSD symptoms did not warrant a higher rating.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the veteran does not have PTSD and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary to reconcile the conflicting medical evidence of record regarding the appellant's service-connected anxiety reaction and PTSD.

The Board denied service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder and an increased evaluation for the gunshot wound to the right knee, finding insufficient evidence of a valid stressor or injury.

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

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of January 14, 1991 for the grant of a 100 percent schedular evaluation for undifferentiated-type schizophrenia with PTSD.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from engaging in substantially gainful employment since August 24, 1993. The effective date for the total rating for compensation purposes based on unemployability is set at August 24, 1993.

The veteran claims service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) based on exposure to stressful combat-related events during his military service. The Board has determined that additional development is needed, including obtaining corroborative evidence of the claimed in-service stressors and conducting a psychiatric evaluation.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA) has determined that the appellant's post-traumatic stress disorder is currently rated at 30 percent disabling, which adequately compensates for chronic sleep impairment and mild memory loss.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete evidence and a need for further investigation into the appellant's unemployability.

The veteran's PTSD is productive of total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100 percent evaluation.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected PTSD meets criteria for a 100% evaluation since July 1, 1997. However, prior to this date, the veteran did not meet the criteria for a schedular rating greater than 50 percent.