PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2002

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD as there is no current diagnosis of PTSD and no credible supporting evidence of a service stressor.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD was incurred in active service, and granted his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD does not warrant a rating higher than 10 percent.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, specifically post-traumatic stress disorder and erectile dysfunction, are severe enough to prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation. The VA has determined that he meets the criteria for a total rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD warrants a 100 percent rating from January 1, 2001 to March 19, 2001 and since May 1, 2001 due to total occupational and social impairment.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD, primarily manifested by mild psychomotor agitation; an anxious and dysphoric mood; avoidance of eye contact; intermittent tearfulness; intermittent dissociative behavior; disturbing dreams; and social isolation, more nearly reflects symptoms associated with total occupational and social impairment. The Board has granted a 100 percent schedular evaluation for PTSD.

The Board found that the veteran's claimed stressors were not verified and did not meet the criteria for service connection due to lack of evidence linking his current PTSD to his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection of PTSD, finding that there is no competent evidence of current disability resulting from a condition or injury in service.

The veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, effective February 8, 2002. The VA has granted an initial evaluation greater than the previously assigned 50 percent for PTSD.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the veteran's PTSD symptoms do not warrant an evaluation in excess of 30 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, attributable to his active service and there is no evidence of a bilateral wrist disorder related to service. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board found that the veteran's PTSD is manifested by social impairment with symptoms such as irritability, sleep disturbances, avoidant behavior, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts. The evaluation of 50 percent for PTSD was granted.

The Board has granted a 100 percent rating for the veteran's service-connected PTSD, finding that it results in total occupational and social impairment.

The VA denied a higher rating for the veteran's PTSD, finding that his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.

The Board has granted an initial 50 percent evaluation for PTSD and has determined that the veteran's residuals of a diskectomy at C5-C6 were incurred as a result of service. The appeal is granted in these respects.

The RO granted a 100% evaluation for PTSD effective October 4, 2000, based on the veteran's total disability due to his condition between July 20, 1996 and May 19, 1997.

The veteran's PTSD is manifested by symptoms such as sleeping problems, nightmares, flashbacks, irritability, and mild impairment of concentration. These symptoms mildly interfere with his daily activities and social interactions but do not render him totally incapacitating. The Board finds that a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD is not warranted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD warrants a 50 percent disability rating, effective from June 6, 1996.

The Board found no evidence of a psychiatric disorder prior to 1986, and the claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral knee disability and PTSD were not incurred or aggravated by his military service.