PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2003

The Board has determined that the veteran's low back disability is service-connected and has granted a 100% evaluation for PTSD, finding it to be totally incapacitating.

The veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability is granted due to his service-connected disabilities, including post-traumatic stress disorder, hearing loss, and sinus problems. The medical evidence shows that the veteran is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as a result of these conditions.

The veteran's hypertension was found to be permanently aggravated by his service-connected lumbar spine disorder, and the Board granted service connection for this aggravation.

The Board has reopened the claim for residuals of eye injury and found new evidence to be significant enough to consider. However, due to the veteran's uncooperative behavior during VA examinations, the reliability of audiometric findings is questioned. The hearing loss remains rated at 10 percent.

The Board has determined that a 50 percent evaluation is warranted for the appellant's PTSD prior to March 20, 2000. For the period beginning March 20, 2000, an evaluation in excess of 50 percent is not warranted.

The appeal has been dismissed as the appellant withdrew their appeal prior to a decision being made.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional VA psychiatric examination and treatment records.

The veteran's service-connected psychoneurosis is rated at 50 percent, effective the date of his claim for an increased rating.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for PTSD and urticaria, as well as his claim for eligibility for VA dental treatment. The Board also found that he did not have a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD due to service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that there was no credible supporting evidence of in-service stressors and thus insufficient evidence to establish a link between his current symptoms and his Vietnam service.

The VA has determined that the veteran's post-traumatic stress disorder with major depression does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher disability rating than 70 percent.

The veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has remanded the case due to additional development being required, and the veteran's claim for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder remains under review.

The veteran's PTSD results in total social and occupational impairment from the effective date of service connection, warranting a 100 percent rating.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and granted it, finding that new evidence supports a diagnosis of PTSD. However, due to unverified in-service stressors, the claim cannot be fully substantiated.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD, finding that the verified in-service stressor is sufficient to establish a diagnosis of PTSD.

The veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD prior to September 11, 1997; a 50 percent rating from September 11, 1997, to December 8, 1999; and a 30 percent rating from December 9, 1999 is being remanded for further development.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD was productive of considerable impairment from May 5, 1989 to March 25, 2003. From March 26, 2003 onwards, the veteran is entitled to a 100% evaluation for PTSD.

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

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD does not meet or approximate the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 70 percent, as his symptoms do not result in total occupational and social impairment.