PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service-connected PTSD with depression and anxiety is remanded due to the need to obtain medical records from November 2012.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for an initial disability rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD and entitlement to total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to further development being necessary.

The Veteran's initial disability ratings for PTSD and TBI residuals were denied, but a 30 percent rating was granted for his service-connected headache condition as of October 11, 2018.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to lack of substantial compliance with previous remands and inadequate opinion regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted. The claims for initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD, entitlement to a TDIU, and service connection for bilateral hearing loss are remanded.

Service connection for PTSD is granted, with the diagnosis based on current symptoms and confirmed combat experience.,Presumptive service connection for aortic atherosclerosis (as ischemic heart disease) due to herbicide exposure during service in Vietnam is granted.,Service connection for ischemic heart disease due to herbicide exposure is also granted.

The Veteran's PTSD and other specified trauma and stressor related disorder are granted service connection. Service connection for loss of use of the creative organ, right ankle sprain, and a skin disorder is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records regarding the Veteran's performance evaluations during his military service, which may provide evidence corroborating his reports of assault and harassment.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for PTSD and TDIU was denied. The Board found that the Veteran’s PTSD does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher than 50 percent disability rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinions regarding the Veteran's PTSD and peripheral neuropathy, which may affect his ability to work prior to December 4, 2019.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his acquired psychiatric disorder, prostate cancer, left wrist disorder, and erectile dysfunction. The evidence did not show that any of these conditions warranted a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of reopening his PTSD claim.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims of service connection for right elbow disorder, acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, Arnold Chiari Malformation, and headaches. These claims are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is related to an in-service personal assault and granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted a 70 percent rating, effective from the date of the decision. The issue of TDIU was referred to the AOJ for further action.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent disabling, but the claim for an increased rating in excess of this has been denied.

The Veteran's initial rating for PTSD was denied, and the case is remanded due to issues with his employment and social relationships.

The Board has remanded the case for further action on the earlier effective date and initial rating claims, including considering whether there is clear and unmistakable error in a 1986 rating decision that denied service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for anxiety disorder, chronic fatigue syndrome, and PTSD have been reopened. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD (claimed as anxiety disorder) is remanded for further examination and opinion. The appeal is denied.

The Veteran's appeals for a higher rating for PTSD, an effective date prior to October 12, 2014, and service connection for anxiety disorder have all been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.