PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his service in Somalia and grants service connection for PTSD.

For the period prior to July 3, 2019, a disability rating of 50 percent for PTSD and Persistent Depressive Disorder was granted. For the period from July 3, 2019 onward, a higher rating is denied.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration. Specifically, they need to obtain a legible copy of the December 2019 private audiology examination report and clarification from the audiologist on whether the Maryland CNC word list was used for the word recognition scores. They also need to complete VA Form 21-8940 and request completed VA Form 21-4192s.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee condition and an increased rating for PTSD. The evidence did not support finding that the Veteran's current conditions began during service or were related to in-service injuries.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a noncompensable rating from February 19, 2010 to March 19, 2010 and granted a 10 percent rating thereafter. The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted at a 50 percent rating from September 18, 2018. Ratings for PTSD in excess of 30 percent prior to that date are denied.

The Veteran's effective date for additional compensation based on his spouse is denied as he did not receive a combined disability rating of at least 30% until February 19, 2018.

The Veteran's respiratory or breathing disorder is not shown to be causally related to his military service.,VA treatment records show the Veteran has a history of back pain and bowel/bladder issues, but these are not linked to VA care.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings on diabetes, CAD, and surgical scar have been withdrawn. The appeal for a higher rating on PTSD has been remanded due to lack of recent VA examination records and the need for updated private treatment records. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the PTSD claim.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating of in excess of 70 percent is not warranted.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation in excess of 50 percent for PTSD with depressive disorder was denied. The Board found that the severity, frequency, and duration of the Veteran’s symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's claim for individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities was also denied as he does not meet the schedular requirements for consideration under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16 (b).

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate development of the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression. The Veteran will need to provide his pay records from March 1973 to July 1974, verify his periods of active duty training (ACDUTRA) and inactive duty training (INACDUTRA), obtain his treatment records at the Vet Center, and undergo a new VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to non-compliance with previous remand directives regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression. The Veteran's claim will be reviewed again to ensure all necessary records are obtained and a proper medical opinion is provided.

The appeal for an initial disability rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD and the TDIU claim from January 20, 2010 to October 28, 2014 are dismissed. The effective date earlier than June 2, 2009 for the award of service connection for symptomatic removal of semilunar cartilage of the right knee is remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD prior to October 3, 2019 resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, and mood. The Board found that the symptoms did not cause total occupational or social impairment required for a 100% rating.

The Veteran's claims for osteoarthritis of the neck, fingers/hands, and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD have been granted. The appeal is dismissed as these issues are no longer pending.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD with depressive features and for TDIU due to outstanding VA treatment records, including from Dr. P.K., and further development is needed.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated at 90 percent from October 23, 2012. The Veteran also received a TDIU effective October 23, 2012.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions have been denied as there is no competent evidence showing that these conditions were incurred or aggravated during a period of honorable service.

The Veteran's service-connected primary open angle glaucoma required the aid and attendance of another person from May 21, 2014. SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance is granted effective that date.