PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2001

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is service-connected, based on evidence of a stressor and diagnosis.

The veteran is seeking an increased rating for his service-connected PTSD, but the RO has not obtained all relevant medical records and needs to schedule a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the relationship between the veteran's claimed conditions and his active military service, including verifying in-service stressful events for PTSD.

The veteran's claim for TDIU benefits is being remanded due to the inextricability of his PTSD increased rating claim. His combined service-connected disability rating does not meet the schedular minimum set forth under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(a).

The VA has determined that the veteran's PTSD symptoms, while significant, do not warrant a rating in excess of 30 percent.

The veteran's service-connected paranoid schizophrenia with PTSD is currently evaluated at 30 percent and the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of December 17, 1998 for a 100 percent evaluation for PTSD.

The VA has granted service connection for PTSD and assigned a 50 percent evaluation, effective May 1998. The veteran's PTSD causes total occupational impairment and moderate to severe social impairment.

The Board denied service connection for schizophrenia and PTSD. The veteran's claim for service connection for schizophrenia was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence, while the denial of PTSD remains pending.

The Board is considering whether new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD. If such evidence is found, the case will be adjudicated de novo without regard to any previous denial.

The VA has granted a 70 percent evaluation for the veteran's post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) effective July 10, 2000. The veteran's colitis is currently rated as noncompensable.

The Board denied the reopening of the claim for service connection for PTSD and declined to reopen the previously denied claim for schizophrenia. The veteran's application was not considered as part of this appeal.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.

The VA denied the veteran's claims for an increased evaluation for PTSD and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to a service-connected disability. The decision found that the residuals of the veteran's service-connected PTSD did not meet criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board has ordered a new examination to determine if the veteran's current psychiatric disability, including PTSD, is related to service. The VCAA requires that all relevant records be obtained and associated with the claims file.

The veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent prior to July 27, 1998. The appeal for a higher rating is granted.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection of PTSD and granted a 30 percent rating for headaches. The ratings for irritable bowel syndrome, low back disorder, and residuals of left foot injury remain unchanged.

The Board granted a 100 percent schedular evaluation for PTSD effective April 10, 2001.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), finding that there was no direct evidence linking his current condition to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD effective from October 21, 1996. The veteran's claim was reopened based on new evidence submitted after the one-year deadline.