PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2002

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased disability evaluation for his service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder, currently rated at 50 percent. The evidence did not show symptoms that would warrant a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 9411.

The veteran's hidradenitis suppurative was granted a higher rating, and his initial post-traumatic stress disorder disability evaluation was also granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination. The issues of entitlement to an effective date prior to March 3, 1994, for the assignment of a 100 percent evaluation for PTSD and entitlement to a finding of permanency of the veteran's total disability are being remanded.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher ratings for his left inguinal hernia and PTSD, finding that he did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent for the hernia or an initial disability rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD.

The Board has granted an increased rating to 70 percent for the veteran's PTSD, finding that it now produces occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, reflecting severe social and occupational impairment.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an effective date prior to February 18, 1993 for a 100% disability evaluation for PTSD. The RO assigned a 100% evaluation from March 8, 1996 and later granted a 100% evaluation from February 18, 1993 based on VA treatment records.

The Board has granted a 70 percent evaluation for the veteran's PTSD, which is more than the current 30 percent rating. The decision was based on the severity of symptoms such as suicidal ideation, sleep impairment, irritability, depression, and problems with motivation.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD due to a sexual assault in service, finding that no credible supporting evidence of the alleged stressor was provided and that the veteran did not provide enough information to verify his claimed stressor.

The veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection, increased evaluations, and TDIU were denied.,An effective date prior to September 28, 2000 was not granted for any of the issues.

The VA has granted a 30 percent evaluation for PTSD, effective from April 8, 2002. The veteran's PTSD is characterized by symptoms such as withdrawal from people, depression, anxiety, and anger that produce definite social and industrial impairment.

The veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD has been dismissed due to the death of the veteran during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board has decided that the case should be returned to the Regional Office for further development due to a change in personnel.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations for PTSD and left leg shrapnel fragment wound residuals, as well as the claim for TDIU from June 1998 to July 2001 were denied. The low back disability claim was also denied due to lack of new and material evidence.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD was denied, and his claim for TDIU based on service-connected disabilities was also denied.

Service connection for PTSD has been granted based on new evidence.,The claim of an increased rating for corneal scar of the left eye remains denied.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder, which was previously denied in April 1997. The decision is granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD warrants a rating of 30 percent prior to February 22, 1988 and a 100 percent rating from April 1, 1988 to March 29, 1990.

The VA determined that there is no competent medical evidence linking the veteran's PTSD to his military service.

The Board found that the veteran's PTSD was incurred in service and is related to his reported combat experiences, leading to a grant of service connection.