PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for a reduction in his prostate cancer rating to 60% and discontinuance of SMC at the housebound rate, but granted entitlement to Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) effective from April 1, 2013.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, but no higher. The claim for TDIU based on PTSD is granted. Service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities secondary to diabetes mellitus is remanded.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD, Major Depressive Disorder, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder has been reopened due to the submission of new evidence. The appeal is granted in part.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder from May 1, 2017 was dismissed. The appeals for special monthly compensation based on housebound and aid and attendance were also dismissed.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression is rated at 70 percent, but no higher. The issue of a TDIU has been raised and will be adjudicated by the AOJ.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with MDD has resulted in occupational and social impairment, warranting a TDIU and a 70 percent rating for the period prior to April 24, 2018.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, but no higher, due to symptoms such as persistent re-experiencing of traumatic events, increased arousal including sleep impairment and anger outbursts, hypervigilance, suspiciousness, and interference in establishing effective social relationships.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board has determined that he meets the criteria for a TDIU. The issue of an increased rating for PTSD remains on appeal as it was not fully adjudicated in the April 2018 decision.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise that the Veteran's current psychiatric condition had its onset during service. Service connection for PTSD was denied.

The appeal of PTSD was dismissed. A 70 percent rating for major depressive disorder is granted, and the Veteran's sleep apnea and/or sleep disturbance, left knee condition, right knee patellofemoral syndrome, and lumbar strain issues are remanded.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for VA examinations to assess the impact of his service-connected conditions on his ability to work.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 30 percent, but the Board found that his symptoms did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating. The decision denied an increased rating.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent from May 15, 2014 forward. The initial evaluation in excess of 50 percent for PTSD prior to May 15, 2014 was denied.

The Board has remanded three issues: service connection for headaches, a higher rating for PTSD, and the effective date of the PTSD award. The VA is instructed to obtain SSA records related to the Veteran's disability claims.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a higher rating for PTSD and TDIU due to outstanding records and a new VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted. The claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD and a back disability are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity is granted at a 20% rating, effective from April 15, 2019. The other issues remain unresolved.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and PTSD were denied. The effective dates for these conditions are not earlier than February 19, 2014.

PTSD service connection is granted. ED, headaches, hypertension, and sleep apnea service connection issues are remanded for further review.

The Veteran's claims for increased PTSD rating and TDIU are being remanded due to the addition of new evidence.