PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date prior to January 22, 2019 for a 100% rating for PTSD was denied. The Board found that the increase in disability did not occur before January 22, 2019.

The Veteran's PTSD and major depressive disorder with anxious stress were increased to a 70 percent rating effective November 6, 2019. The Veteran was also granted TDIU effective the same date.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate reasons and bases for its May 2018 decision, including failure to obtain all available treatment records from the Marianna VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) and failure to provide adequate reasons for finding no current PTSD or bipolar disorder. The Veteran's service includes a period of active duty from September 1989 to January 1990, a period of active duty for training from May 19, 1990, to July 19, 1990, and a period of active duty from June 1992 to October 1992. The Veteran contends that he has a psychiatric disorder related to his service in Southwest Asia.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The Board found that his PTSD is at least as likely as not related to his active duty service, thus granting the claim.

The Veteran's claims for a compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities are being remanded. The issues will be addressed in light of the new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder from November 15, 2006 to November 3, 2011 more nearly approximated occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas but did not meet the criteria for total occupational and social impairment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, and remanded the issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD because there is no current diagnosis of PTSD in the record.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and unspecified depressive disorder and bipolar and related disorder, based on combat service in Vietnam.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for sleep apnea and PTSD have been dismissed due to the withdrawal of the appeal by the Veteran’s representative prior to a decision being made.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development and medical opinions regarding service connection, rating, and TDIU. The Veteran's claims for PTSD, depressive disorder, diabetes, and lumbar spine disability are being reviewed.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Appellant's participation in Exercise Intrinsic Action in 1997 and his psychiatric condition during service. The AOJ will gather additional records, including from D Co, 2-5 CAV, 1st CAV DIV, and obtain updated treatment records.

The Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus and sleep apnea are granted service connection due to exposure to herbicides during service. Service connection for a psychiatric disorder, other than Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), is also granted.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for additional development due to new evidence indicating a possible worsening of the Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability and because the issue of entitlement to Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) is inextricably intertwined with the increased rating claim.

The Veteran's service connection claims for pseudofolliculitis barbae and posttraumatic stress disorder are granted. Service connection is denied for joint stiffness and muscle pain.

The Board has remanded the case due to a derivative claim for TDIU (total disability rating based on individual unemployability) being within its jurisdiction. The Veteran meets the schedular criteria for a TDIU, but further examination and employment information are needed to determine if he is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied as he does not meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD under the DSM-V. He is currently service-connected for 'Other Specified Trauma and Stressor Related Disorder' related to his Vietnam service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, finding that there was no evidence linking his current psychiatric condition to service or any in-service stressor. The preponderance of the evidence did not support the Veteran's assertions.

The Veteran's PTSD alone did not prevent him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment prior to July 15, 2013.

The Veteran's hypertension has been granted an initial rating of 10 percent. Service connection for a skin disorder and PTSD have been granted, but the matter of service connection for a colorectal condition is remanded due to lack of evidence.