PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2001

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and conducting a VA psychiatric and neurological examination to determine if the veteran's PTSD is service-connected and the severity of her migraine headaches.

The Board denied service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder due to the lack of credible supporting evidence that the claimed inservice stressor occurred, and combat status was not established.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and there is no evidence linking his current psychiatric disorder to service. The claim for service connection is denied.

The VA determined that the veteran's PTSD does not warrant a rating higher than 10 percent, as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for more severe disability ratings.

The veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and a chronic acquired eye disorder manifested by watering eyes were denied. The claim for an increased evaluation for residuals of a GSW of the left elbow with fractured distal humerus was also denied as a matter of law.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that there is insufficient evidence to establish a diagnosis and link between current symptoms and verified in-service stressors.

The veteran's claim for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder is being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records and verify any claimed stressors.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including left knee disorder, right knee disorder, fecal incontinence, cervical spine disorder (claimed as region between lumbar and cervical area), and depressive disorder (claimed as post-traumatic stress disorder). The decision also denied increased evaluations for certain disabilities.

The Board found that the veteran's PTSD is manifested by occupational and social impairment resulting in reduced reliability and productivity, but not to a level warranting a higher rating. The current disability evaluation of 50 percent remains unchanged.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete evidence and the need for a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board has granted a disability rating of 70 percent for the veteran's PTSD, effective from May 1999. The criteria for a higher rating are not met.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD has resulted in mild social and industrial impairment, but the appeal is denied as his symptoms do not warrant a rating higher than 10 percent.

The Board has found new and material evidence to reopen the claim for PTSD, and credible supporting evidence of the alleged stressors. The veteran's service in Vietnam exposed him to frequent mortar attacks during his time as an equipment repairman, which is considered a valid stressor for PTSD.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently evaluated as 30 percent disabling, and the Board has determined that a 50 percent evaluation is warranted.

The Board found that the appellant was not entitled to an earlier effective date for special monthly pension aid and attendance benefits due to his need for aid and attendance, as entitlement arose on December 13, 1999.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD is productive of occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood. The Board finds that the evidence reasonably supports a 70 percent disability evaluation for PTSD.

The veteran is seeking service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including schizophrenia and PTSD. The Board has ordered the RO to obtain VA medical records and Social Security Administration records, as well as determine if a medical opinion is necessary regarding whether her condition preexisted service or was aggravated by it.

The veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for PTSD with major depression was granted, but his claim for a total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disability is dismissed as moot.

The veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and possibly a new examination.

The Board found that the veteran did not engage in combat with the enemy and there was no credible supporting evidence for his claimed stressors. The medical evidence does not show a link between diagnosed conditions and service, leading to denial of all claims.