PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2001

The veteran's service-connected PTSD renders him unemployable, and the Board has granted a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The veteran seeks service connection for various conditions, including hypertension, kidney stones, a skin rash, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The case is being remanded to obtain additional development regarding the presence of these conditions and their relationship to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD warrants a 50 percent evaluation, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Board found that the veteran does not suffer from PTSD related to his period of service and denied both claims for service connection and pension purposes.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD as there was no current or prior diagnosis of PTSD, and thus no in-service event could be linked to his condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and service connection, finding that his postoperative residuals of a deviated nasal septum did not warrant service connection due to preexisting condition. The other issues were also denied.

The veteran's PTSD has been manifested by continuous depression, isolation, poor concentration, intrusive thoughts, difficulties falling or staying asleep, nightmares, and disturbances of motivation and mood, producing total occupational impairment. The schedular criteria for a 100 percent rating for PTSD are met.

The veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development under the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000. The RO must ensure that all notification and development actions required by this law are completed, including obtaining medical records from his VA Medical Center in Clarksburg, West Virginia, and arranging for a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board has granted a 50 percent rating for post-traumatic stress disorder, which was previously assigned as 30 percent. The veteran's appeal is now resolved in his favor.

The Board has determined that additional action is required prior to further review of the veteran's appeal, including adjudicating raised claims for service connection and an increased disability evaluation. The RO should then readjudicate the issue of entitlement to TDIU benefits.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for residuals of a cold injury (frostbite), hypertension, a heart disability, hearing loss, tinnitus, a psychiatric disability including PTSD and a circulatory disability. The evidence did not establish that these conditions were incurred or aggravated during military service.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder, citing insufficient evidence to establish a link between his current symptoms and an in-service stressor.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service records show he had active duty in Vietnam and engaged in combat. The VA medical records indicate a current diagnosis of PTSD, which is consistent with his reported stressors during service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD as there is no competent medical evidence of a current diagnosis or during or subsequent to service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an effective date prior to June 26, 1998, for the award of service connection for PTSD with major depression.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to changes in the law and failure to provide proper notice.

The VA determined that the initial 30 percent rating for PTSD was appropriate and upheld.

The Board granted service connection for PTSD effective October 16, 1996 and assigned a 10% rating. The RO increased the rating for residuals of right leg burns to 40% effective September 9, 1997.

The veteran's PTSD warranted a 100 percent evaluation for two years prior to his death, and he was found eligible for accrued benefits.

The veteran's PTSD resulted in severe social and industrial impairment from January 12, 1995 to March 19, 1998. Since then, it has resulted in considerable social and industrial impairment.