PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2001

The Board denied service connection for a low back disorder and granted a 50 percent rating for PTSD. The veteran's low back disorder was not found to be incurred in or aggravated by his active military service, nor is it considered secondary to the service-connected residuals of a shell fragment wound to the right clavicle. For PTSD, the Board found that the disability results in considerable social and industrial impairment but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is productive of occupational and social impairment with occasional decreases in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks, warranting a 30 percent evaluation.

The Board has granted a 100 percent evaluation for the veteran's service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder, which is considered totally disabling. The issue of entitlement to a total disability rating for compensation purposes on the basis of individual unemployability was dismissed as it cannot be considered in light of the assignment of a schedular 100-percent evaluation.

The veteran's PTSD is granted as it is proximately due to or the result of his burn injuries sustained in service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate articulation of reasons and bases for its findings and conclusions, failure to discuss verification of PTSD stressors, and need for additional notification under the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for increased ratings for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and otitis media with traumatic rupture of the right ear. The RO had previously granted service connection for PTSD and assigned a 30 percent rating, effective December 31, 1996.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development and compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than September 4, 1997 for a grant of total disability evaluation based upon individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU). The evidence does not show that the veteran was unable to engage in substantially gainful employment due to PTSD prior to September 4, 1997.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Headaches and Earaches as secondary to a fractured jaw, and an acquired mental illness other than post-traumatic stress disorder.

The veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional evidence and development, including obtaining medical records from Western State Hospital and the Trover Clinic. The RO must also ensure compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.

The veteran's acne was granted service connection and a 50% rating from February 22, 1993 to September 1997.,PTSD was granted with a 100% rating after the veteran retired in September 1997.

The veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has granted a 70 percent evaluation based on his current symptoms.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD, finding that his disability did not warrant a higher evaluation based on the evidence of record.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a dislocation of the right little finger and post-traumatic stress disorder. The decision is final as it relates to the denial of service connection for a left eye disorder in May 1991.

The veteran withdrew his appeal before the Board could make a decision, thus dismissing the case.

The Board found that the cause of the veteran's death (cerebrovascular accident) was not due to a service-connected condition, and thus denied both claims for service connection for the cause of death and DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD, finding that the earliest date of receipt of a claim was January 25, 1999.

The veteran's PTSD is manifested by serious difficulty controlling angry outbursts, constricted affect, an irritable and fearful mood, sleep disturbance, hypervigilance, homicidal ideation, and difficulty establishing effective work and social relationships. A 50 percent rating is granted for PTSD.

The veteran's PTSD is manifested by nightmares and occasional anxiety, resulting in moderate social and occupational impairment. The VA has granted service connection for PTSD but denied a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have PTSD or any residual eye disability as a result of his service, and thus denied both claims.