PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2001

The veteran's PTSD is productive of total occupational and social impairment, meeting the criteria for a 100 percent evaluation.

The veteran's claim is being remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records from the Fayetteville, Arkansas outpatient clinic. The effective date for the 50 percent rating for PTSD will be determined based on the new evidence obtained.

The Board granted a disability rating of 70 percent for post-traumatic stress disorder effective May 4, 1995. The claim of entitlement to an earlier effective date for the total rating based on individual unemployability is moot.

The veteran's claim for prior VA authorization to pay for gender alteration surgery was denied because VA is prohibited by law from providing such services.

The veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent disabling.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes, but granted it effective March 19, 2000. The veteran appealed this decision, arguing that he should have received the benefit earlier due to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board denied service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder and an acquired back disorder, finding that the evidence did not support a link between current symptoms and in-service events.

The veteran is entitled to an effective date of January 28, 1997 for a 100 percent disability evaluation for PTSD and a permanent 100 percent schedular disability evaluation.

The VA has granted service connection for PTSD and assigned a 50 percent disability rating, which is the current maximum rating available under the applicable criteria.

The Board found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and major depression. The appeals regarding a sleep disorder, anxiety disorder, and sterility were also considered.

The Board has determined that the veteran engaged in combat with the enemy and his alleged stressors are consistent with service conditions. The diagnosis of PTSD is based on verified in-service stressors, thus granting service connection for PTSD.

The veteran's service connection for PTSD with depression was granted, and he is currently receiving a 10 percent rating.

The Board has granted service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) based on combat exposure in Vietnam.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and an increased rating for tendinitis of the biceps of his left shoulder. The veteran does not have a diagnosis of PTSD, and there is no evidence that he has tendinitis in his left shoulder.

The veteran's PTSD symptomatology causes occupational and social impairment, with deficiencies in most areas such as work, family relations, judgment, thinking or mood. The VA granted service connection for PTSD and assigned a 50 percent evaluation effective December 18, 1997.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to issues with verifying the veteran's claimed stressors and ensuring compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.

The VA determined that the veteran's current clinical picture, characterized by severe dementia symptoms, overrides his historical diagnosis of PTSD. Therefore, an increased evaluation for PTSD is denied.

The Board has determined that the overpayment of additional VA compensation benefits in the amount of $1,578.00 is waived due to the hardship caused by recovery and the primary fault on the part of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD with anxiety warrants a 70 percent disability rating, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Board has granted a 70 percent disability rating for the veteran's PTSD, finding that his symptoms meet the criteria for this level of disability.