PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2001

The veteran's claim of increased evaluation for PTSD and individual unemployability due to service-connected disability is being remanded for further development.

The veteran's PTSD disability is rated at 100 percent disabling from the date of service connection, rendering him unable to obtain or retain employment.

The veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation of PTSD has been dismissed due to his death.

The veteran's PTSD is manifested by symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and impaired attention, concentration, memory, and communication, resulting in total occupational impairment. The Board has determined that the criteria for a 100 percent rating for PTSD have been met.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD and right hip disability, finding no evidence of entitlement to earlier effective dates or higher evaluations.

The veteran's PTSD results in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent disability rating.

The veteran's death was caused by chronic alcoholism, which is considered service-connected due to its connection to his PTSD. As a result, the appellant is entitled to increased VA burial benefits.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD is preventing him from obtaining and maintaining all forms of gainful employment, as distinguished from other mental disorders or physical disabilities. The case must be remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected PTSD and eczema render him unemployable, warranting a total disability rating for compensation purposes.

The veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus was denied as there is no medical evidence showing that the disability was incurred or aggravated during his period of active duty. The other claims were not addressed due to lack of information.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased evaluation for PTSD, service connection for a left knee disorder and low back condition, as well as reopening of his hearing loss disorder claim. The decision is final.

The Board has determined that the veteran engaged in combat during service and his PTSD is related to this exposure. Service connection for PTSD is granted.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and a total rating based on individual unemployability are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing the veteran with VA examinations.

The veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation of his service-connected PTSD was granted, with a current rating of 50 percent.

The VA determined that the veteran's service-connected PTSD does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher initial evaluation beyond the currently assigned 30 percent rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD warrants a disability rating of 50 percent, effective from the date of his claim.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to verify the veteran's reported stressors and determine if he meets the criteria for PTSD. The case will be returned to the RO for further action.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for the cause of the veteran's death. The appellant wishes to appear personally at a hearing.

The Board has granted service connection for polysubstance abuse, secondary to post-traumatic stress disorder. However, the issue of whether this should be considered as symptomatology of the veteran's PTSD in rating his PTSD remains unresolved.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for post-traumatic stress disorder from November 1997 to January 1999 and denied an increased rating for the condition.