PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2001

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a back disability and granted an increased evaluation of 50 percent for PTSD prior to July 10, 1997. The effective date for service connection for tinnitus is set at January 20, 1999.

The VA has granted the veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD and assigned a 30 percent disability rating, effective from November 1999. The symptoms associated with PTSD include depression, nightmares, difficulty dealing with crowds, social isolation, and decreased work efficiency.

The veteran's claim for reimbursement of travel expenses to a VA Medical Center (VAMC) in Marion, Indiana, for treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is denied. The Board found that the veteran did not obtain prior VA authorization for these travel expenses and that he was not justified in incurring those expenses without such authorization.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD related to service and there is no evidence linking his residuals of a head injury to service. Therefore, the claims for both conditions are denied.

The VA has determined that the veteran's PTSD does not warrant a disability evaluation in excess of 70 percent.

The veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, effective March 1999. The RO has granted a current evaluation of this level.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for further proceedings, including consideration of the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 and additional development of the record. The veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD will be reconsidered in light of these changes.

The Board has granted a higher initial rating of 50 percent for the veteran's service-connected PTSD, effective January 1997.

The VA denied the veteran's claims for an increased evaluation for PTSD and TDIU, finding that his disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The veteran's claim for service connection for major depression with PTSD was denied in March 1984, and the effective date of an award of service connection is denied as it does not meet the criteria.

The Board has remanded the case due to changes in VA regulations and the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an effective date prior to January 9, 1998 for a 100 percent evaluation for PTSD and found that the September 1996 rating decision confirming a 50 percent evaluation was not CUE. The effective date of the 100 percent evaluation is set at April 29, 2001.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD as he did not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD and there was no credible supporting evidence of a service stressor.

The Board has remanded the appellant's claims for further development of the evidence, including obtaining a complete copy of his Social Security Administration file and conducting clarifying medical examinations to assess the severity of his PTSD and right arm disability.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and increased the evaluation of the veteran's anxiety reaction with depressive features to 50 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of service connection for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, finding that there was no clear diagnosis and insufficient evidence to support a link between in-service events and current symptoms.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the veteran's post-traumatic stress disorder is related to his military service and grants the claim.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 100% due to severe impairment in thought processes, persistent delusions or hallucinations, and grossly inappropriate behavior. The veteran has a history of suicidal ideation, self-harm, poor interpersonal relationships, and multiple job terminations.

The Board has granted service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, low back pain, hip pain, and depression. Asthma was not found to be related to active service.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and reopened the claim for residuals of head injury to include headaches.