PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent prior to September 12, 2018 and from March 4, 2019 onwards. The Veteran also received a TDIU rating.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted an initial rating of 70 percent, but no higher. The issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disability (TDIU) is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, lower back conditions, and nerve conditions of the left lower extremity have been remanded due to insufficient evidence. The Board will review these issues again after gathering more information.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to a TDIU was denied in July 2010, and the AOJ found that new evidence did not demonstrate his inability to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Veteran filed claims for increased ratings and reopened previously denied claims after July 14, 2014.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol dependence in partial remission was rated at 30 percent from August 13, 2010 to December 23, 2019 and the claim for an increased rating is denied.

The Board has granted the request to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability. The claims related to sleep apnea are remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has denied a higher rating. The appeal for TDIU due to service-connected disability was also denied.

The Board has determined that the AOJ must take additional steps to ensure it substantially complies with the prior remand directives by obtaining outstanding relevant records and ensuring the medical professional addresses pertinent evidence favorable to the Veteran's claim.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU effective December 1, 2013 due to his service-connected PTSD.,The Veteran is also granted SMC beginning July 10, 2014 based on the combined rating of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diagnosed PTSD is causally related to his military service in Vietnam, and thus grants service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran has withdrawn her appeals for PTSD, asthma, and TDIU.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and need for additional development regarding herbicide agent exposure.

The Board has decided that a VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran meets the diagnostic criteria for PTSD and whether any diagnosed psychiatric disability arose in service or is otherwise related to service. The claim will be returned for further development.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability, specifically PTSD and unspecified depressive disorder, resulted in total occupational and social impairment as of November 13, 2015. The symptoms included persistent hallucinations, intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living, disturbance of mood or motivation, and paranoia.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including sleep disorder, eye disorder, arthritis of the cervical spine, right knee, hands, elbows, and right shoulder, as well as urinary problems, are being remanded due to insufficient examination opinions addressing prior findings.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected.,PTSD and panic disorder with claustrophobia and acrophobia are remanded for further review due to the need for additional evidence and examination.,Chronic liver disease is remanded for a VA examination addressing both direct and secondary service connection possibilities.,GERD is remanded for a VA examination considering its potential relationship to major depressive disorder, obesity, or other service-connected conditions.,Obstructive sleep apnea is remanded for a VA examination assessing the nature and etiology of the condition, including consideration of its relation to major depressive disorder and obesity.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 40 percent for bilateral hearing loss was denied. The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and TDIU due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), have rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's TDIU claim prior to January 27, 2017 is denied as there was no pending claim at that time. The SMC at the housebound rate starting December 6, 2018 is granted due to a single service-connected disability rated at 100% and additional disabilities independently ratable at 60%.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claim for service connection of PTSD. A new VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran currently suffers from PTSD and whether it is related to his military service.