PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2005

The veteran's PTSD is rated at the highest available evaluation of 50 percent, effective from May 2002. His hypertension and right knee lacerations are not service-connected.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings, initial rating, and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an increased rating or a compensable initial rating for his right index finger flexion deformity or limited amnesia as a residual of left parietal occipital scalp hematoma. Service connection was also denied for PTSD and tinnitus.

The veteran's application for Service Disabled Veterans Insurance (RH) was denied because he is not in 'good health' according to the standards established by the VA, as his non-service-connected disabilities exceed the threshold of 300 percent mortality.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD, finding that the proper effective date is September 30, 2001.

The Board has determined that the veteran is entitled to service connection for PTSD, as his diagnosis of PTSD is linked to his military service and there is credible supporting evidence of a stressor.

The veteran's PTSD has been manifested by occupational and social impairment, with deficiencies in most areas since December 1997; it has not been productive of total occupational and social impairment. The Board finds that the criteria for a 70 percent rating have been met.

The veteran is seeking service connection for PTSD, but the case has been remanded due to incomplete records and further examination.

The Board has granted a rating of 70 percent for post-traumatic stress disorder, the maximum available under VA regulations.

The veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD was denied in April 1994, but reopened and granted on October 15, 2000. The effective date is set at October 15, 2000.

The veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is denied as his second period of service was terminated under dishonorable conditions, precluding compensation benefits. The appeal for a psychiatric disability related to the first period of service is also denied due to lack of evidence linking current symptoms to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for a powered wheelchair is denied as there is no evidence of loss or use of both lower extremities, combined with severe impairment of at least one upper extremity.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right ear hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation, and his PTSD is currently evaluated at 30 percent. The claims are denied.

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

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD. The issue is now remanded for further development.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for reopening his PTSD claim and compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for a left rotator cuff tear, finding that new evidence did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claims and that the injury was not caused by VA care.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his hepatitis was granted, with a rating assigned at 10 percent.

The veteran's case is being remanded for scheduling a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the local RO to address his claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD.

The Board has granted a 100 percent rating for PTSD, effective from the date of the decision. The veteran is also entitled to special monthly compensation due to his need for aid and attendance.

The Board has granted an initial rating of 50 percent for the service-connected PTSD, finding that it more closely approximates the criteria for a 50 percent disability rating.

The Board found that the veteran's current psychiatric disability is related to in-service stressful events and reports of depression during service, thus granting his claim for service connection.