PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2001

The veteran's PTSD was initially granted in June 1998 with a 10% evaluation. In May 2000, the VA increased his PTSD rating to 30%, effective March 24, 2000. The low back disorder claim remains pending as new evidence has not been presented to reopen it.

The veteran's claim for a total rating due to unemployability caused by service-connected disability was denied as there was no evidence showing he was unemployable prior to July 10, 1996.

The veteran's PTSD warrants a 10 percent evaluation prior to October 20, 1997 and a 30 percent evaluation since that date.

The veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, which the Board has found to meet the criteria for a 100 percent evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and further development is needed.

The VA awarded a 100 percent schedular rating for PTSD effective from October 2, 1996.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased evaluation for PTSD and special monthly compensation based on loss of use of his right upper extremity. The total rating claim was also denied.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for PTSD, which was previously denied in June 1990.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for PTSD service connection and is remanding his secondary heart disorder service connection claim.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including chronic malarial residuals, post-traumatic stress disorder, cervical spine disorders, dorsal (thoracic) spine disorders, left lower extremity disorders, chronic left ankle disorders, and chronic skin disorders. The RO was directed to verify the veteran's periods of active duty, active duty for training, and inactive duty for training with the Georgia Army National Guard and request all available service medical records associated with such duty.

The Board has determined that the effective date for service connection of PTSD is November 17, 1994. The veteran's claim was initially filed on this date and he was granted service connection for PTSD with a 100% disability rating.

The veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for his post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was granted, with a rating of 70 percent effective January 31, 1998.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for service connection for PTSD and assigned a 50 percent initial rating from September 30, 1996.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for service connection for PTSD and assigned a 50 percent initial rating from September 30, 1996.

The Board finds that the veteran's service-connected PTSD and psychoneurosis, anxiety state, is not manifested by the symptomatology required for an evaluation of 70 percent. The veteran does not have near-continuous panic or depression, impaired impulse control, or spatial disorientation.

The Board has granted service connection for postphlebitic syndrome of the right and left lower extremities, but denied service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. The veteran is currently receiving a 20 percent evaluation for her postphlebitic syndrome.

The Board found that the veteran did not engage in combat during his service, and thus could not establish PTSD based on a verified in-service stressor. The heart disease was also denied as secondary to the low back disorder. For the low back disorder, the evaluation remained at 20 percent.

The veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the appeal seeks a higher rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The appeal is based on the veteran's reported experiences in service and his current diagnosis of PTSD.

The Board has restored the 100 percent disability rating for PTSD and dismissed the appeal regarding a temporary total evaluation based on hospitalization due to the improper reduction of the PTSD rating. The claim for reopening service connection for substance abuse is remanded for further development.