PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's lumbar strain, left knee degenerative joint disease (left knee disability), PTSD, migraine headaches, cervical spine disability, left leg shin splints, right leg shin splints, bilateral hearing loss, and TBI have been granted service connection.,An initial rating of 40 percent for traumatic brain injury (TBI) has also been granted.

The Board found compelling circumstances warranted the Veteran's prolonged unauthorized absence, thus finding that his character of discharge from service for the period from October 1965 to March 1973 does not constitute a statutory or regulatory bar to VA compensation benefits.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, MDD, ADHD, and SUD. The Board also found that his left knee disability aggravates his acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD with adjustment disorder was granted service connection based on his military service in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of clarity in the April 2017 audiologist's speech discrimination testing, and for obtaining any outstanding VA and private treatment records. A new VA examination is also required.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms prior to September 29, 2017 did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient stressor verification for PTSD and unspecified depressive disorder. The Veteran's service in Thailand is confirmed, but additional verification is needed for his claimed Vietnam-related stressors.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for coronary artery disease was granted from February 20, 2019 to September 15, 2019. The TDIU claim prior to September 16, 2019 was denied.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD based on clear and unmistakable error (CUE) in the May 2007 rating decision, finding that there was no credible evidence to corroborate the claimed in-service sexual assault.

The Veteran's PTSD and coronary artery disease were denied increased disability evaluations, but he was granted a TDIU.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD, finding no current diagnosis of the condition.,The Board also denied service connection for hypertension, noting that there was no evidence of a compensable disability within one year after discharge and that the Veteran's hypertension is less likely related to his active service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed stressors for PTSD. The VA needs to request verification from the JSRRC and other organizations.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment since October 17, 2014.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of adequate medical examination and the need for additional evidence, including private treatment records. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disabilities are being considered as secondary to her service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's appeal has been remanded for additional examinations to assess the current severity of his service-connected PTSD, lumbar spine disorder, bronchitis, left fifth finger fracture, pseudofolliculitis barbae, and bilateral shin splints.

The Veteran's current PTSD is linked to his active duty service, and the Board has granted service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to duty-to-assist errors and the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for eligibility to receive financial assistance in acquiring an automobile or adaptive equipment.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including dysthymic disorder and PTSD, has caused occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency due to symptoms such as depressed mood, chronic sleep impairment, mild memory loss, anxiety, and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks. The Board found the severity, frequency, and duration of these unlisted symptoms more closely approximated a 30 percent rating.