PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2002

The Board found that the veteran does not suffer from PTSD and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since December 9, 1996. Effective February 25, 2001, the rating was increased to 70 percent.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent disabling, and his low back disorder is service-connected as secondary to a right foot drop disability. The effective date for these ratings has not been specified.

The veteran's service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder is currently productive of considerable social and industrial impairment, with reduced reliability and productivity due to symptoms such as a flattened affect, circumstantial speech, panic attacks more than once a week, difficulty understanding complex commands, memory problems, impaired judgment, abstract thinking, disturbances of motivation and mood, and difficulty establishing and maintaining effective work and social relationships. As a result, the veteran is entitled to a 50 percent evaluation for his post-traumatic stress disorder.

The Board granted a 10 percent evaluation for residuals of a traumatic head injury and an effective date of February 22, 1995 for the award of TDIU.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for thoracic and lumbar spine scoliosis and post-traumatic stress disorder, finding that there was no evidence of a pre-existing condition or in-service injury that led to these conditions.

The Board found that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that sufficient evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD. The veteran provided sworn testimony of his receipt of the Combat Infantryman Badge, which is new and significant in deciding the merits of the claim.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD. The underlying issue of whether there is a current disability will be addressed in a separate decision.

The Board has determined that a 100 percent schedular rating for the veteran's service-connected PTSD should have been effective December 1, 1994.

The Board has dismissed the motion for CUE in August 1990 decisions, as the veteran and his attorney have withdrawn their request to pursue this motion.

The veteran's claims for service connection for depression, increased evaluations for gunshot wound residuals, and compensable evaluations for nonossifying fibromas were all denied. The Board found no competent medical evidence of a current diagnosis or relationship between the veteran's symptoms and his military service.

The VA denied a higher initial rating for post-traumatic stress disorder, currently evaluated as 70 percent disabling.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have PTSD or any residual impairment related to his in-service Achilles tendon injury, and thus service connection for these conditions cannot be established.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD due to a lack of verified in-service stressors and insufficient evidence to support the diagnosis.

The veteran's disabilities, including PTSD and duodenal ulcer, rendered him unemployable prior to July 21, 1998. The RO granted a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes effective July 21, 1998.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD results in total occupational impairment, warranting a 100 percent disability rating.

The veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has determined that sufficient evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD. The case will now proceed to evaluate the merits of the reopened claim.

The Board has determined that the veteran's post-traumatic stress disorder is related to his service in Vietnam, and his back disorder may be presumed due to his combat experience. The veteran's claims for these conditions are granted.