PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims for service connection for erectile dysfunction and multiple nevus excisions have been reopened, and he is now entitled to a 50 percent rating for migraine headaches prior to January 25, 2017. His PTSD with major depressive disorder is also rated at 50 percent prior to that date.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities were not continuously rated totally disabling for 10 years prior to his death, and he was not a former prisoner of war. The criteria for establishing entitlement to DIC under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 have not been met.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral patellofemoral pain syndrome, but granted service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder. The decision is mixed as one issue was granted and the other was denied.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder are rated at a 70 percent disability level beginning November 16, 2009.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board denied an increased rating. The claim for TDIU was also denied as he does not meet the schedular criteria for TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues related to various conditions, including respiratory, gastrointestinal, neurological, and mental health disorders. The Board has determined that the claims for service connection are mixed due to some issues being granted while others were denied or remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, effective from the date of this decision.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 30 percent, which is denied as the disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The Veteran's TDIU claim was also denied due to his ability to work part-time as a pastor.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate May 2016 VA examination report. The Veteran's history of depressive symptoms and sleep impairment since service needs to be considered in a new examination.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development and clarification regarding his claims of increased ratings for PTSD, alcohol use disorder, TDIU, and an effective date prior to April 26, 2011.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone are not found to be of sufficient severity to produce unemployability, and he is currently working full time as an aviation inspector.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a neck disorder is denied as there is no current diagnosis of the condition.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder, respiratory disorder, arteriosclerotic heart disease (ASHD), and PTSD are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has decided to remand several service connection claims due to inadequate notice and the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 10% to 50% increase in his acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and alcohol use disorder) is denied. The earliest date of worsening was May 14, 2015.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral pes planus and bilateral hearing loss disability, as well as his increased rating claim for PTSD, were all denied by the Board. The Veteran was found not to have a current diagnosis of pes planus or hearing loss disability for VA purposes, and his PTSD symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher than 50% rating.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted an initial evaluation of 70 percent, effective January 11, 2011. The Board also remanded the issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has decided that more information is needed to determine if the Veteran's PTSD and left basal lung nodule are related to service. The case will be sent back for further examination.

The Veteran's lumbar spondylosis was rated 10% prior to February 11, 2015 and not higher. The effective date for the assignment of a 20% disability rating is denied.,PTSD service connection was granted with an effective date of February 11, 2015. Prior claims were not adjudicated as they were final due to lack of appeal within one year.,Left ankle degenerative arthritis, partial tear and thickling of anterior talofibular ligament and tenosynovitis posterior tibialis tendon was granted with an effective date of February 11, 2015. Prior claims were not adjudicated as they were final due to lack of appeal within one year.,Left calf muscle atrophy was granted with an effective date of February 11, 2015. Prior claims were not adjudicated as they were final due to lack of appeal within one year.,Left knee strain service connection was granted with an effective date of February 11, 2015. Prior claims were not adjudicated as they were final due to lack of appeal within one year.

The Veteran's service-connected right second toe hammertoe and DJD residuals are granted at a 10 percent rating, subject to regulations governing payment of monetary awards.,PTSD service connection is remanded due to lack of corroborating evidence for the claimed stressors.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50% prior to April 25, 2014 and at 70% as of that date. The Board denied an earlier effective date for TDIU.