PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2003

The veteran's service-connected generalized anxiety disorder with PTSD produces severe social and industrial impairment, warranting a 70 percent rating.

The Board found no evidence of in-service combat exposure or a valid PTSD diagnosis based on service stressors. The veteran's dysthymia was granted as secondary to his military service.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent effective June 1, 2002. The TDIU claim is granted as the veteran is unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected PTSD.

The veteran's death was due to cardiovascular collapse caused by arteriosclerotic heart disease. The cause of death is not service-connected, and there is no evidence linking the cardiovascular disorder to his military service or any other condition for which he received service connection.

The appellant is not entitled to service connection for PTSD due to a lack of credible supporting evidence that the claimed in-service stressor occurred.

The Board has granted a 100 percent rating for PTSD and dysthymia from January 1995, effective April 18, 2003. The TDIU issue is dismissed as the veteran is now eligible for a 100 percent schedular rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD, finding that no informal claim was received prior to August 22, 2000.

The Board found that the veteran does not meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD and did not engage in combat with the enemy, thus denying service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran was exposed to a verified stressor during service and diagnosed with PTSD, which is now considered a direct result of his service. As such, service connection for PTSD is granted.

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

The veteran's hair loss is due to androgenetic alopecia, not related to service. For PTSD, the evaluation remains unchanged as it does not meet criteria for higher ratings.

The Board granted a 70 percent rating for PTSD, effective November 16, 2001.

The VA has determined that the veteran's PTSD does not meet or approximate the criteria for a 100 percent evaluation, as his symptoms do not produce total occupational and social impairment. The current rating of 70 percent is therefore denied.

The veteran's appeal is remanded for a hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals and further evaluation.

The veteran's appeal is remanded for a video conference hearing before a Veterans Law Judge, after which the case will be returned to the Board.

The Board found no evidence of a current diagnosis of PTSD or an acquired psychiatric disorder, including schizophrenia. The veteran's claim for service connection was denied.

The veteran's request for a videoconference hearing before the Board at the RO is granted. The case will be returned to the RO for scheduling this hearing.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims of service connection for a psychiatric disorder, back disorder, and skin disorder as new and material evidence was not submitted to reopen these claims.

The veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent for the period prior to October 7, 1998 and at 30 percent from October 7, 1998.

The veteran appealed the initial 30% rating for PTSD, and the RO increased it to 70%. The appeal is now on whether a higher rating can be assigned.