PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2003

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected peptic ulcer disease contributed substantially to his death, and thus grants service connection for the cause of the veteran's death. The appellant is also eligible for Dependents' Educational Assistance under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35.

The veteran's case is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the San Diego RO. The case will be returned to the Board after the scheduled hearing.

The veteran's PTSD was granted a 70% rating effective February 1, 2002.

The Board has determined that there is no competent medical evidence of a current diagnosis of PTSD, hearing loss, or tinnitus. Therefore, service connection for these conditions cannot be granted.

The Board has ordered further development due to the need for additional evidence. The case is now being sent back to the RO for the requested development, including verification of a collision involving the USS Bigelow and the USS Belknap.

The Board denied an increased evaluation for PTSD, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to conflicting medical opinions regarding whether the veteran suffers from PTSD. Further examination is needed to determine if a diagnosis of PTSD is warranted.

The Board has ordered further development due to the need for additional evidence. The case is now being sent back to the RO for the requested development, including obtaining information from USASCRUR regarding the veteran's claimed in-service stressors.

The veteran's PTSD has resulted in total occupational and nearly total social impairment, warranting a 100% disability rating effective March 1, 1998.

The veteran's PTSD was initially granted with a 10% rating effective May 11, 1993. The RO increased the disability evaluation to 30% from May 11, 1993, and then to 70% effective December 15, 1999.

The VA has determined that the veteran's PTSD does not warrant a higher rating than the current 50 percent.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD and granted it. The issues of an initial compensable evaluation for right ear hearing loss disability and increased rating for low back disability are addressed in the remand section.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to procedural issues related to notification and compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA).

The veteran's service connection for residuals of an injury to the mouth is granted. The claim for a higher evaluation for PTSD remains denied, with a current rating of 30 percent.

The veteran's PTSD, right thigh shell fragment wound residuals, and varicose veins of the right leg have been rated at their maximum levels. The combined rating is 90 percent, which prevents him from holding gainful employment.

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

The Board has ordered further development due to pending issues regarding the veteran's PTSD evaluation. The case will be returned for additional examination and review.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension as secondary to the service-connected diabetes mellitus disability and increased evaluation of PTSD from 30% to 50%. The effective date remains pending.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected PTSD no longer meets the criteria for a rating in excess of 30 percent, and determined he is not unemployable solely as a result of his service-connected disability.

The case is being remanded due to the need for compliance with VCAA notice requirements. The veteran's claims for an earlier effective date, service connection for peripheral neuropathy and a brain tumor as a result of Agent Orange exposure are on appeal.