PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The Veteran was also denied SMC based on need for aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have been documented to be at their worst since May 3, 2018. The Board has granted an effective date of May 3, 2018 for the 70% evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder was dismissed because he did not properly select an appeal lane and provided insufficient clarification.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was originally denied in December 2013, but new and material evidence received within a year of the decision allowed for reopening of his claim. The effective date for the award of service connection is set at February 19, 2013.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a procedural error in obtaining updated Fresno Vet Center treatment records for PTSD.

The Board has denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a right ankle disability, finding that the evidence does not support a link between these conditions and service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for his PTSD, finding that his symptoms did not meet the criteria for total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's PTSD prior to September 9, 2019 is rated at 50 percent and the claim for a higher initial rating is denied. The Veteran's TDIU claim prior to July 25, 2019 is also denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The Board denied an initial rating higher than 50 percent.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for his service-connected PTSD is denied as the earliest possible effective date has been assigned, which reflects the date of receipt of his claim to reopen in November 2016.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, chronic pain in joints, and PTSD is denied as the evidence does not support a finding of current disabilities or a link to service.,Service connection was not granted for chronic pain in joints due to lack of evidence showing a current disability related to service. The Veteran had complaints of neck stiffness but no diagnosed condition.,PTSD was not granted because there is insufficient credible supporting evidence for the claimed stressor.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination and unaddressed in-service stressors. Further development is needed before service connection can be determined.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's PTSD due to military sexual trauma should be remanded for further development, including verifying the stressor and obtaining a VA examination.

The Board has decided to remand the claims of service connection for PTSD, headaches, and obstructive sleep apnea due to a lack of proper notification regarding scheduled VA examinations.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms during the period from March 18, 2013 to December 2, 2013 most nearly approximated occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings for PTSD are denied. The claim for brain tumor with scar is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining outstanding VA and private treatment records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and VA medical treatment due to outstanding records, including reserve service records and VA/privately obtained treatment records. A VA examination is needed to determine if any diagnosed psychiatric conditions are related to active duty.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of PTSD and back sprain, as well as his TDIU claim are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and updated VA treatment records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) as his service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.