PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2003

The VA has determined that the veteran's PTSD does not warrant a rating in excess of 50 percent since January 13, 2000.

The appellant's combined disability rating is 70 percent, which meets the basic percentage standards for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities. However, his service-connected conditions do not prevent him from engaging in substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for further development and consideration of the merits of the claim based on the application of all pertinent criteria for rating PTSD.

The veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent prior to April 8, 1996 and increased to 50 percent from that date. The appeal is denied for an evaluation in excess of 30 percent prior to April 8, 1996.

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

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the veteran's death due to PTSD, which was found to have contributed substantially and materially to his death. The issue of DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 is dismissed as moot.

The veteran's PTSD has been found to meet the criteria for a 100 percent disability rating due to severe impairment in thought processes, communication, and daily functioning.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and a total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disability, resulting in a denial of attorney fees from past-due benefits.

The Board has determined that the veteran's post-traumatic stress disorder is related to his service, specifically his combat experiences in Vietnam. As such, the claim for service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a shell fragment wound of the right hip, PTSD, rotoscoliosis with lumbosacral strain, degenerative disc disease and spondylosis of the lumbar spine, and hypertension. The appeals were based on direct evidence rather than any presumption or secondary service connection.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD has resulted in total social and occupational impairment since the date of service connection, warranting a 100 percent evaluation.

The veteran's PTSD has resulted in his virtual isolation and inability to obtain or retain employment, warranting a 100% disability rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is linked to his service in Vietnam and has granted service connection for PTSD.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD, finding that his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent disabling since October 20, 1997.

The veteran's PTSD has caused total occupational and social impairment since December 9, 1996. The Board granted a 100 percent evaluation for PTSD effective from that date.

The Board found that new evidence submitted by the appellant did not establish a verified stressor, which is necessary to reopen his claim for service connection of PTSD. The claim remains denied as there is no material evidence presented.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD is now rated at its highest level of disability (100%), indicating total occupational and social impairment due to symptoms such as flattened affect, circumstantial speech, near-continuous panic or depression affecting the ability to function independently, appropriate and effectively. The GAF score of 45 further supports this rating.

The veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent from August 27, 1997, through March 31, 2000.,PTSD was rated at 100 percent effective April 1, 2000.,TDIU was granted prior to April 1, 2000.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the veteran's combat experiences in service are sufficient to establish a link between his current psychiatric disorders and his military service.