PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2003

The veteran's claim for financial assistance in the purchase of an automobile or other conveyance and/or adaptive equipment for an automobile is denied as he does not meet the criteria set forth by VA regulations.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, was denied as the earliest date on which he filed a claim is July 26, 1999.

The veteran is found to have PTSD and schizoaffective disorder, likely triggered by a rape incident during National Guard summer camp in 1985. The Board finds the evidence at least in equipoise and grants service connection for these conditions.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since March 30, 2000, and the rating was increased to 50 percent effective June 18, 2001.

The veteran is seeking an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD, which has already been granted. The case is being remanded due to procedural issues related to notification of a previous denial in 1975.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a skin disorder secondary to PTSD, an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD, and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability by reason of a service-connected disability.

The Board found that the veteran does not have post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of an inservice stressor and denied service connection for loss of a creative organ (right testicle).

The Board has determined that the veteran did not incur or aggravate a right eye disorder, nor did he incur PTSD in service. The preexisting right eye hyperphoria was not aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is service-connected based on his reported in-service stressors and corroborating evidence.

The veteran's PTSD and calcified granulomas of the lung were not granted service connection due to lack of evidence supporting their onset during service or as a result of exposure to herbicides. The veteran's PTSD was evaluated at 30 percent, but no increased rating is warranted.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD as there was no evidence of a verified in-service stressor, and thus, the veteran did not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD due to unverified in-service stressors and a lack of credible supporting evidence that the claimed events occurred.

The Board has granted a higher rating of 70 percent for PTSD effective from April 13, 2002.

The Board has determined that the October 1953 rating decision denying service connection for residuals of a left eye injury was not clearly and unmistakably erroneous. The veteran's claim of PTSD is granted.

The Board found that the veteran's PTSD was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service, as his symptoms were primarily related to a motor vehicle accident (MVA) after discharge from service.

The veteran's PTSD with alcoholism is rated at 70 percent disabling, reflecting severe industrial and social impairment.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the veteran does not have PTSD and therefore, service connection for PTSD was denied.

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

The veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent prior to September 1, 2000. The rating was increased to 50 percent effective February 25, 2000.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected left foot disability, currently rated at 10 percent, does not warrant an increased rating. The evidence did not show symptoms more severe than moderate.