PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for SMC and a higher rating for CAD, as well as service connection for sleep apnea. The decision is based on the lack of evidence that the Veteran met the criteria for SMC under the applicable regulations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation prior to June 25, 2019.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied as his service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability, COPD, gastroesophageal reflux disease/Barrett's Syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and hypertension have been denied. The claim for hypertension is remanded due to secondary service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD and Depressive Disorder have been granted a disability rating of 70 percent, effective August 30, 2018.

The Veteran's appeals for a higher rating for spondylosis of the lumbar spine and an earlier effective date for PTSD have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted a 100% disability rating, and he is also awarded SMC under 38 C.F.R. § 1114(s)(1). The claim for an increased hearing loss rating was denied, and the issue of TDIU is dismissed as moot due to the grant of a total disability rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, coronary artery disease, ischemic heart disease, tinnitus, and bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board finds that he meets the requirements for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD from February 29, 2012 to June 16, 2014 is rated at 70 percent.,PTSD with MDD was increased to 100 percent effective January 14, 2020. The issue of TDIU remains pending from February 29, 2012 to June 16, 2014 and January 13, 2020.,Diabetes mellitus is rated at 20 percent.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and other conditions, has been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities meet the percentage requirements for a TDIU, and his occupational impact due to his psychiatric disability prevents him from performing gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has prevented him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment due to his symptoms of impulse control issues, difficulty in work relationships, and inability to adapt to stressful situations.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent since September 30, 2008. A TDIU was granted as of March 8, 2013.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is granted as secondary to service-connected chronic sinusitis and allergic rhinitis. The left knee disability, neck disability, acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD), and gastrointestinal disorder are denied due to lack of current diagnosis.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues with scheduling a VA examination and obtaining necessary records. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD, depression, low self-esteem, major depression, and stress disorder, are being reviewed for service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since July 12, 2018. The rating will remain at this level until further notice.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD because no new and material evidence was submitted, and the existing evidence did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is secondary to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD, and for effective dates prior to December 31, 2009, due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for PTSD and back disability due to outstanding treatment records, including private and VA treatment records. The Veteran should be provided with a new VA examination to assess his current severity of service-connected disabilities.