PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2001

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of a rating in excess of 10 percent for his psychiatric disorder (classified as anxiety disorder) prior to March 29, 1999 was denied.

The veteran died in January 2000 due to cardiomyopathy and hypertension. The Board found that the cause of death was not caused by service-connected conditions, including PTSD, and denied DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and left knee disability, but denied the other issues. The veteran's claim of entitlement to a compensable rating for a scalp scar is pending.

The Board found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for PTSD. The veteran's claim was denied as there is no clear and convincing evidence to question the diagnosis or link between current symptoms and an in-service stressor.

The veteran's PTSD was initially granted with a 30 percent evaluation effective October 28, 2001. The RO also granted an earlier effective date of October 28, 2001 for the initial grant of service connection.

The Board granted a 70 percent evaluation for PTSD with incremental aggravation of bipolar disorder by 15 percent, effective from January 18, 1996.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is a result of his service and grants the claim for service connection.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and determined that new and material evidence adequate to reopen the claim for service connection for a skin disorder had not been submitted.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), finding that it is related to his military service.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the veteran's PTSD did not warrant a higher rating prior to June 6, 1998. The effective date for the 50% disability rating is set at June 6, 1998.

The Board denied the appellant's request for an earlier effective date of April 1, 2000 for a 70 percent rating for PTSD. The appeal was remanded to obtain additional information and evidence.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD. The issue is now considered on its merits.

The veteran's porphyria cutanea tarda is granted as service-connected due to exposure to Agent Orange. The issue of post-traumatic stress disorder remains pending and requires further development.

The Board has granted an initial evaluation of 30 percent for post-traumatic stress disorder from November 23, 1992. The veteran's claim for a higher rating is denied. An effective date prior to March 18, 1998, for the 50 percent disability evaluation for PTSD is granted. The veteran's total unemployability due to his service-connected disorders is not met.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the veteran's current symptoms are linked to a verified stressor from his military service.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of August 16, 1991 for a 100% disability rating for PTSD was granted. The VA hospital discharge summary from August to September 1990 indicated the veteran was unemployable due to PTSD.

The veteran's death was not caused by his own willful misconduct. However, the appellant is not entitled to DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 because he did not meet the criteria for a 100% disability rating continuously for at least 10 years immediately preceding his death.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development due to incomplete information regarding the veteran's claimed PTSD and stressors.

The VA granted service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder and assigned a disability evaluation of 100 percent.