PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2001

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD renders him demonstrably unable to obtain or retain employment, and thus meets the criteria for a 100 percent schedular rating.

The Board denied an initial disability rating in excess of 30 percent for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as the evidence did not show that the veteran's PTSD was productive of a considerable impairment of social and industrial adaptability.

The veteran withdrew his appeal for an increased disability rating of 30 percent for PTSD.

The veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for PTSD and right ear hearing loss, finding no credible evidence supporting these conditions or their relationship to service.

The RO denied the appellant's claims for service connection and accrued benefits, but granted service connection for residuals of a gunshot wound to the left ankle for accrued benefits purposes.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder and is considering other issues related to his exposure to herbicides. The decision on these claims will be reviewed after additional evidence is obtained.

The Board has granted a 100% evaluation for PTSD, which is productive of total occupational impairment. The right knee disorder was also found to be service-connected.

The veteran's original rating for PTSD with major depression was granted at 30 percent effective March 29, 1996. The RO increased the evaluation to 50 percent on and after December 16, 2000.

The Board has determined that the appellant's character of discharge is not dishonorable, and therefore he is eligible for VA health care benefits. The claim for service connection for PTSD is granted as there is a link between current symptoms and an inservice stressor.

The RO granted service connection for PTSD and assigned a 70 percent evaluation, effective September 24, 1997. The veteran's PTSD symptoms resulted in total occupational impairment as of November 16, 1998.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected PTSD warrants a 100 percent rating due to severe and persistent symptoms, including frequent flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, depression, social isolation, and impairment in work and social functioning.

The Board granted a 100% disability rating for PTSD effective February 15, 2000, and denied the veteran's request for an earlier effective date. The hearing loss claim was not addressed as it is no longer relevant due to the grant of a higher rating for PTSD.

The veteran's PTSD was initially evaluated at 30 percent from July 16, 1984 through February 2, 1988. From February 3, 1988 to June 6, 1994, the evaluation increased to 50 percent.

The veteran's PTSD is productive of total social and occupational impairment, warranting a 100 percent evaluation.

The veteran is seeking an increased rating for his service-connected PTSD and also raises the issue of a total rating due to individual unemployability by reason of service-connected disability. The case has been remanded for further development, including a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected disabilities alone do not provide adequate clinical findings to determine if he requires assistance in performing daily needs or is housebound. The RO was directed to obtain recent treatment records and arrange for a VA examination.

The Board denied the reopening of the claim for service connection for PTSD due to lack of new and material evidence, despite the veteran's assertions about in-service stressors.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD effective July 15, 1991, the date of receipt of the reopened claim.

The veteran's post-traumatic stress disorder is severe and has rendered him demonstrably unable to obtain or retain employment as of the date of the grant of service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder, warranting a total evaluation.