PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's appeal for an increased initial evaluation of PTSD was denied. The Board also found that the issues regarding service connection for a narrowing of L4-5 disc and degenerative changes in right knee need to be remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has denied a higher rating for PTSD and has remanded the issue of service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to PTSD.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, a depressive disorder, and an other specified depressive disorder and other trauma-and-stressor-related disorder due to MST. The decision is based on the Veteran's reported military sexual assault during service.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's sleep apnea, specifically whether it is related to service or secondary to his service-connected PTSD with claustrophobia.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected PTSD, which may affect his ability to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's PTSD was initially rated at 10 percent prior to June 19, 2017 and increased to 30 percent thereafter. The Board denied a higher rating for PTSD as of January 7, 2020.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and major depression, as well as for an earlier effective date for the grant of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU), have been dismissed due to the Veteran requesting Higher-Level Review.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was granted effective from April 14, 2005. The grant of service connection is based on newly obtained relevant service records that were in existence at the time of his initial denial in September 2005.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate explanation of the November 2018 VA opinion and because the Veteran submitted a private opinion indicating he has PTSD from his military service. The AOJ must attempt to verify the Veteran's claimed stressors, send the claims file for an addendum opinion, and ensure all development actions are completed.

The Board denied service connection for left knee, right knee, and right-hand disabilities due to lack of evidence showing a nexus between the conditions and service. Service connection was also denied for an acquired psychiatric disorder as there were insufficient stressor events reported by the Veteran.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression. The evidence is at least in equipoise that the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders are related to his reported in-service stressor event.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, PTSD, acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, low back disability, upper back disability, and right leg varicose veins due to lack of evidence supporting service connection.

A rating of 60 percent for coronary artery disease (CAD) is granted effective October 12, 2018. The Veteran also receives a TDIU effective September 24, 2018 and SMC at the housebound rate effective September 24, 2018.,The Veteran's CAD has been rated as 60 percent disabling since November 1, 2015. He is also granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities, including CAD, PTSD, and prostate cancer residuals.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD, is granted service connection. His right ear hearing loss is also granted service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to March 30, 2018 due to lack of evidence showing he was unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeals for effective dates prior to April 16, 2015 have been withdrawn.,The Veteran's appeals for service connection and ratings on multiple issues have been dismissed due to withdrawal of the appeals.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms did not cause the level of impairment required for a disability rating in excess of 10% or 30% from October 30, 2006 to February 7, 2017 and from February 8, 2017 to May 7, 2018 respectively.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as related to his in-service personal assault, and the Board finds that all elements of service connection are met.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service-connected due to in-service combat exposure. The hypertension claim is remanded for further development and opinion.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence of in-service stressors for PTSD. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD remains pending.