PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2002

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the veteran's PTSD is service-connected as it was incurred or aggravated by active military service.

The Board dismissed the veteran's claim because he did not file an adequate substantive appeal regarding his PTSD claim.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that there was no medical evidence of a clear diagnosis of PTSD.

The Board has determined that the veteran did not timely file a notice of disagreement or perfect an appeal for his claims regarding PTSD and residuals of shell fragment wounds of the abdomen. As such, these issues are dismissed.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU due to service-connected PTSD, as it was not factually ascertainable that he was unemployable prior to May 12, 1992.

The VA has determined that the veteran's PTSD does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation, as his symptoms do not warrant an increased rating beyond 50 percent.

The veteran's service-connected heart disease does not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound, nor does he qualify for specially adapted housing or a home adaptation grant due to his service-connected PTSD.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at the highest possible level of 100 percent, his right knee disability at 40 percent, and his right ankle disability remains at its initial assigned rating of 20 percent.

The Board has granted an effective date prior to May 19, 1989 for the grant of service connection for PTSD.

The Board granted service connection for PTSD and a TDIU rating effective from June 20, 2002. The veteran's only other service-connected condition was hemorrhoids.

The Board found that the veteran did not engage in combat and there was no credible supporting evidence of his claimed non-combat stressors. As a result, service connection for PTSD was denied.

The veteran's PTSD symptoms prior to May 9, 1997 were mild, not requiring continuous medication and did not result in significant impairment of social or industrial functioning.,Coronary artery disease is not considered proximately due to or the result of service-connected PTSD.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds no evidence of more than definite social and industrial impairment.

The Board denied service connection for an ulcer disorder and a rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD from May 28, 1998. The veteran's PTSD was characterized as 'mild' or 'moderate', with no evidence supporting a higher evaluation.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD warrants a rating of 100 percent under the old criteria, which is more favorable than the new criteria. The veteran's disability is considered totally incapacitating and he is unable to obtain or retain employment.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent since March 26, 1996. The low back disability claim has been reopened but no rating assigned yet.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and assigned a 20 percent evaluation for the veteran's left knee disability.

The VA has granted a 50 percent evaluation for PTSD effective from April 14, 1999. The veteran's symptoms have resulted in considerable impairment of social and industrial adaptability.

The Board has granted an increased rating of 60 percent for the veteran's service-connected low back disability and has also granted service connection for PTSD based on new evidence submitted by the veteran.

The Board found no credible supporting evidence for the veteran's reported stressors during service, which are necessary to substantiate his claim of PTSD. As a result, the claim was denied.