PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 30 percent prior to September 15, 2016 and at 50 percent from that date onward. The appeals for increased ratings are denied.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent prior to August 6, 2004. Ratings in excess of 70 percent were denied for the periods from October 1, 2004 to June 22, 2005 and from October 1, 2005 to January 17, 2006. A rating in excess of 70 percent was also denied for the period from April 1, 2006.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and PTSD have been rated, but he is not able to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal for increases in the 'staged' ratings for PTSD was dismissed as he withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 70 percent evaluation for the period after June 24, 2020. This rating reflects significant occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's PTSD disability resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a 70 percent disability rating. The Veteran is also granted TDIU due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and hypertension, with hypertension being secondary to PTSD. The evidence did not support a finding of in-service stressors or a nexus between the conditions and active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been granted. The claims for hypertension, prostate cancer, headaches, and other conditions have been denied.

The Veteran's facial lesion is rated at 30 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The Board found that the evidence did not show scar with visible or palpable tissue loss and either gross distortion or asymmetry of two features or paired sets of features (nose, chin, forehead, eyes (including eyelids), ears (auricles), cheeks, lips) as required for a 50 percent rating.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities include PTSD rated at 50%, Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy rated at 40%, and Facial Lesion rated at 30%. The combined evaluation is 90%.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection. The left and right knee strains, as well as plantar fasciitis of the feet, were denied. Service connection for PTSD was also denied. However, an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for lumbar spine disability prior to December 17, 2014 and from March 1, 2015 to November 30, 2015 was granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, but the Board denied a higher rating as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a 100 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for service connection was withdrawn. Service connection is granted for left carpal tunnel syndrome, right carpal tunnel syndrome, tenosynovitis of the left index finger, and recurrent prostatitis.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 100 percent disabling, effective from the date of the decision. The issue of TDIU prior to August 25, 2016 has been dismissed as moot.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70% since August 13, 2014. His peripheral neuropathy of bilateral lower extremities has not been found to be related to service or Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted at a 70 percent rating for the entire increased rating period from April 15, 2014. The right shoulder disability remains remanded and TDIU appeal is deferred until further development.

The Veteran's left shoulder condition is granted as secondary to her service-connected cervical spine disability. Her PTSD claim is denied, and her dysthymic disorder is granted with a 30% evaluation.

The Board has remanded the PTSD claim due to insufficient medical examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's claimed personal assault during service.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder is related to service and granted. The Veteran does not have a current PTSD diagnosis, so the claim for PTSD is denied. Anxiety and depression secondary to dental condition are also denied.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression. The decision is based on new evidence received since a previous denial that relates to the basis of the prior denial.

The Board has remanded several service connection claims due to the submission of new and material evidence.