PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2001

The veteran's service-connected PTSD is rated at 10 percent effective August 17, 2000. The claim for an earlier effective date was denied.

The Board found that the veteran did not engage in combat and there was no objective evidence of an in-service stressor. The veteran's PTSD is therefore denied as it cannot be linked to service.

The Board denied a higher initial rating and earlier effective date for PTSD with major depression. The veteran was granted a 50% disability evaluation for PTSD on December 14, 1998.

The Board has granted service connection for migraine headaches secondary to service-connected PTSD and a 100 percent schedular rating for PTSD, finding that the veteran's symptoms result in total occupational and social impairment.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain relevant medical records and ensure compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.

The veteran's PTSD is currently rated as 70 percent disabling. The Board has determined that the veteran meets the criteria for a total rating by reason of individual unemployability due to service-connected disability.

The Board has granted a 50 percent evaluation for the veteran's service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder, resolving all doubts in favor of the veteran.

The VA has determined that the veteran's PTSD, currently rated at 70 percent, does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it only moderately impairs social and occupational functioning.

The veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD was denied. The RO has been instructed to ensure all necessary notice and development has been undertaken, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the veteran for an examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD results in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a 70 percent evaluation. The evidence does not meet the criteria for a 100 percent evaluation.

The veteran's PTSD has been granted a 100% evaluation, and the VA examiner opined that his heart condition is at least as likely as not related to his service-connected PTSD. The effective date for this decision remains pending.

The VA denied an increased rating for the fungus infection of the legs but granted a 50% rating for PTSD, which is less than the maximum benefit.

The veteran's claim for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder was denied as there were no verified combat experiences and the evidence did not support a finding of participation in combat. As a result, the Board found that service connection could not be granted.

The Board has found new and material evidence to reopen the claim for service connection of PTSD. The veteran's reported combat experience as a door gunner in Vietnam is corroborated, and medical records confirm his diagnosis of PTSD.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD, finding that there was no credible supporting evidence to verify his claimed in-service stressors and thus denying his claim.

The Board has determined that the claim for service connection for PTSD needs further development and remands to the RO, including obtaining additional medical evidence and verifying stressors.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, finding that new evidence submitted did not meet the criteria to reopen the claims.

The veteran withdrew his appeals for PTSD, somatic pain disorder, and the increased evaluation of shell fragment wounds to the upper and lower lips and nostrils.

The Board has granted an effective date of June 19, 2001 for the award of a 100% disability rating for PTSD. The claim for service connection for osteoarthritis of the cervical and lumbar spine was also granted.

The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for PTSD prior to October 20, 1997 and denied the claim for an earlier effective date.