PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2001

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD and is now considering its merits. The evidence submitted includes VA outpatient treatment records, a report from a VA psychiatrist and nurse regarding treatment in 1998 and 1999, a March 1999 VA examination report, the veteran's hearing testimony, and lay statements.

The veteran's PTSD is currently productive of severe symptoms including nightmares, impaired memory, irritability, and suicidal ideations. The VA examiner assigned a GAF score of 40, indicating significant impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The veteran's claims for PTSD and increased rating for residuals of cerebral concussion were denied as there is no evidence to support the service connection theories.

The veteran requested to withdraw his appeal, and the Board has dismissed it.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for gastritis and post-traumatic stress disorder, finding no competent evidence of a nexus between these conditions and service or exposure to Agent Orange.

The Board has determined that the veteran's reported stressors are supported by evidence and a VA examination confirms the presence of PTSD. As such, service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Board has determined that the RO's decision granting a 50 percent rating for PTSD was incomplete and remanded the case to ensure all necessary development had been completed. The veteran is still seeking an increased rating for his PTSD.

The veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, effective May 9, 2001. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating prior to this date.

The Board denied the veteran's request for an earlier effective date of March 2, 1999 for his total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities. The decision found that there was no claim or informal claim for increase prior to March 1999 and that the PTSD diagnosis in June 1993 did not constitute a formal claim of service connection.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD cannot be granted due to a lack of verified in-service stressors and insufficient medical evidence linking current symptoms to those events.

The Board has found new and material evidence to reopen the veteran's claim for PTSD, but further development is needed due to lack of specific in-service stressor information.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for post-traumatic stress disorder and service connection for tinea versicolor, finding that there was no evidence to support a higher evaluation or service connection.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for PTSD and found new and material evidence to support it. The case is now remanded for further development.

The Board has reopened the claim and granted service connection for PTSD as it is related to combat experienced during active service.

The veteran is seeking a higher initial rating for his service-connected PTSD, which was initially rated at 30 percent from September 6, 1995. The Board has remanded the case to obtain additional medical records and ensure compliance with VCAA provisions.

The veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 50 percent for PTSD was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, and remanded the issues of a higher evaluation for bipolar disorder with alcohol dependence and TDIU.

The veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent from January 28, 1993 to June 22, 1993. After that date, the rating for PTSD is not in excess of 10 percent.

The veteran's claims for a temporary total rating based on hospitalization and an earlier effective date for his PTSD disability evaluation have been denied.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD was granted, with a 70 percent evaluation effective from December 8, 2000.