PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2001

The veteran's PTSD has been rated as 100% disabling since May 29, 1992.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is service-connected as secondary to his service-connected PTB.

The veteran is seeking an increased rating for his service-connected PTSD, currently rated at 50 percent. The RO has remanded the case to obtain additional development and evidence.

The Board has denied the veteran's requests to reopen his claims for service connection for acute abdominal pain, cardiovascular disease, and PTSD. The appeal is addressed in a separate REMAND.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, heart disorder and hypertension, dementia secondary to PTSD, left ear hearing loss disability, left ear infection, and perforation of the left tympanic membrane. The 20 percent rating assigned for gunshot wound injury to Muscle Group XVII was also denied.

The veteran's claim for an effective date prior to September 23, 1993, for a 60 percent rating for the residuals of a gunshot wound of the low back and for an effective date prior to April 9, 1996, for a total rating due to unemployability caused by service-connected disabilities was granted. The effective dates were set based on the receipt of new and material evidence.

The veteran's PTSD symptoms result in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100 percent rating.

The veteran's PTSD was granted service connection based on in-service combat exposure. The status of the broken jaw claim is unknown.

The Board denied service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder, major depression, right hip disability, myositis, degenerative arthritis, and back disability. The left knee condition was granted a 10 percent rating.

The Board has granted a 100 percent schedular evaluation for the appellant's PTSD prior to March 21, 2000 and on and after March 21, 2000. The criteria for these ratings are met due to severe impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Board has determined that the veteran's headaches warrant a 50 percent evaluation, resolving all reasonable doubt in his favor. The PTSD claim is deferred due to pending legal issues.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, frostbite residuals, and tinnitus, are found to preclude substantially gainful employment. The Board grants a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional evidentiary development, including obtaining medical records and addressing the veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD more nearly results in total social and occupational impairment, warranting a 100 percent rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disorder and PTSD, finding no new and material evidence to support reopening of these claims. The claim for peripheral neuropathy was not addressed as it is related to exposure to Agent Orange.

The veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board has now granted a 70 percent evaluation based on his symptoms of significant social and industrial impairment.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD with major depressive disorder is rated at the highest possible level of disability (100%) since July 2, 1990.

The veteran's PTSD is found to be incurred due to active service, and a 30 percent evaluation for his athlete's foot is granted.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude all forms of substantially gainful employment prior to April 7, 1997.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is related to his service in Vietnam and grants service connection for PTSD.