PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2002

The Board granted a 50% rating for post-traumatic stress disorder with headaches effective from November 23, 1999. The appellant's service-connected PTSD is the primary cause of his headache symptoms and arthritis due to cold injury are not related to service.

The Board found that the appellant's notice of disagreement with the August 1987 rating decision was untimely submitted, and thus denied his claim for an earlier effective date. The appeal on the issue of service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder is also denied.

The veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for his service-connected residuals of frostbite of the feet, PTSD, and sinusitis were denied as there was no ascertainable increase in disability prior to February 10, 1999.

The Board found that the veteran's PTSD was not incurred in or aggravated during service, as his reported stressors were not credible and there is no evidence of combat exposure. The claim for service connection for PTSD was denied.

The veteran's claim for nonservice-connected pension benefits was denied due to his failure to report for scheduled VA medical examinations without good cause.

The veteran's claim for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder has been granted.

The VA denied the veteran's claims for an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for PTSD and a compensable evaluation for residuals of a shell fragment wound of the left leg, finding that his symptoms did not meet the criteria for higher ratings based on occupational and social impairment.

The Board dismissed the motion for revision of a decision based on clear and unmistakable error due to lack of compliance with the requirements set forth in 38 C.F.R. § 20.1404(a).

The veteran's PTSD is currently evaluated at 50 percent, which does not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of this level. The Board also found that his service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable.

The Board found no CUE in the July and December 1970 rating decisions denying service connection for a psychiatric disorder. The RO established service connection for PTSD with an effective date of September 27, 1993.

The veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred for a private neurologist visit were denied as the treatment was not shown to be emergent and VA facilities were available.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and assigned an initial rating of 30 percent. The effective date remains pending as the claim was reopened on new evidence.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of November 22, 1996, for a total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disability is being remanded. The issue of entitlement to an increased initial evaluation for PTSD remains inextricably intertwined with the appeal.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and the issues of entitlement to service connection for a personality disorder. The veteran's claims were not timely appealed, and there was no evidence presented in support of his claims.

The VA has granted a 100% rating for the veteran's service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), finding that his symptoms render him unable to obtain or retain employment.

The VA has determined that the veteran's PTSD warrants a 70 percent evaluation, reflecting total occupational and social impairment.

The Board found that the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date was granted, and the effective date is set at September 13, 1983.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is related to his combat service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied service connection for bipolar disorder and PTSD, finding that the veteran did not engage in combat with the enemy and there was no verified stressor related to his military service.