PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and chronic tonsillitis, did not render him unemployable prior to July 18, 2019. The Board found that the evidence does not show anything out of the ordinary or not average in his situation as a result of these service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings, service connection, and other issues are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and clarification regarding his in-service injuries and stressors. The claims for type II diabetes mellitus, nerve pain in the feet, coronary artery disease, sleep apnea, and hypertension will also be remanded as they may be related to exposure to herbicide agents during service.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities was denied. The Board found that the Veteran’s PTSD did not render him unemployable, as he had other physical and employment-related issues preventing him from securing and following substantially gainful employment. His claim for an increased rating of 70 percent for PTSD prior to April 1, 2009, was also denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling VA examinations to address service connection claims and rating issues. The Veteran's incarceration in a prison facility is noted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder is granted, effective from March 22, 2002.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete treatment records from a Vet Center. The AOJ needs to clarify if the Veteran received treatment at a Vet Center previously located on [REDACTED] and now located at [REDACTED], and obtain those records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an increased rating and TDIU prior to February 7, 2013 due to incomplete records from the Charleston Vet Center. The Veteran needs to provide authorization for these records to be obtained.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and tinnitus, did not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment prior to March 25, 2016. The Board found that the Veteran was able to maintain his employment due to other non-service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development and evaluation of his service-connected PTSD, right knee conditions, left knee conditions, and TDIU.

The Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss are granted as service connected.,The Veteran's psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder, is granted as service connected.,Service connection for a bilateral foot condition remains remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, but the appeal is dismissed as no longer pending due to a full grant of benefits.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD and secondary depressive disorder was denied as the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher than 70 percent rating.,Service connection for sleep apnea was also denied because there is no evidence of its onset during service, it was not related to any other condition or event in service, and there is insufficient medical evidence linking it to PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent prior to June 19, 2015 and he is granted individual unemployability effective October 21, 2015.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder was denied. The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to her service-connected PTSD, and also qualifies for special monthly compensation at the housebound rate.

The Board has granted a TDIU effective November 22, 2016. The appellant is eligible for attorney fees based on past-due benefits awarded in the July 2019 rating decision.

The Veteran's claims for peripheral neuropathy, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, cardiovascular disorder, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) are denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or service connection based on exposure to herbicide agents. The Board finds that the preponderance of the evidence does not support service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's attorney is granted an additional 20% of the past-due benefits awarded in a May 2019 rating decision, prior to military retired pay withholding.

The Board has denied a rating in excess of 70 percent for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder and has remanded the issue of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to her psychiatric disorders.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is secondary to her service-connected PTSD and other conditions. The VA needs to provide a new opinion on this issue.