PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's generalized anxiety disorder and PTSD were not found to meet the criteria for a higher disability rating prior to September 26, 2014.,From September 26, 2014 to August 2, 2018, the Veteran’s anxiety disorder did not cause significant impairment in most areas.

The Veteran's service connection claims for diabetes mellitus, PTSD and major depressive disorder, right knee pain, left knee pain, and breathing problems have been denied. The Board found no evidence of current disabilities or in-service injuries that would support these claims.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was granted since November 1, 2012, as his service-connected disabilities resulted in a combined rating of at least 70 percent and he was unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment due to PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and an addendum medical opinion regarding secondary service connection for upper back disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of any diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and/or anxiety disorder. The Veteran's claim is being returned for further examination and consideration.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, alcohol use disorder, depression, OCD, and bipolar disorder, is denied as there was no in-service stressor to support a diagnosis of PTSD, and the evidence does not show continuity of symptomatology or a nexus to service.

The Veteran is currently employed and has not been found unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded to verify the stressor and determine if it is related to his service. The right ear hearing loss disability is also being remanded as there are no clear and unmistakable evidence that it was not aggravated by service, and a left middle finger disorder is being remanded to determine its etiology.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD will be considered based on the verified stressor. The right ear hearing loss disability may be related to his service due to exposure to noise during service. The left middle finger disorder needs further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow gainful employment, and the Board denies his claim for a TDIU.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and other specified depressive disorder, finding that there was no current diagnosis of PTSD under DSM-5 criteria and insufficient evidence to support a diagnosis of either condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are remanded due to deficiencies in prior VA examinations, lack of notification regarding upcoming VA examinations, and unclear employment history. The issues include right lower extremity radiculopathy, surgical scars of the low back, PTSD, degenerative disc and joint disease of the low back, left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve, left lower extremity radiculopathy of the femoral nerve, and TDIU prior to April 24, 2013.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability, characterized as PTSD, has been rated at 50 percent since the remand. The Board found that his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's cochlear hyperacusis is related to his military service and the claim for service connection is granted. The remaining issues are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for their acquired psychiatric disorder, including insomnia, depression, and PTSD, has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for additional development, including referral to VA’s Director of Compensation and Pension service for consideration under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16.

The Board has remanded the claims of PTSD and temporary total evaluation due to hospitalization for a service-connected disability. The Veteran's claim for PTSD is remanded to obtain further verification of his claimed stressors, while the temporary total evaluation issue will be addressed in light of any new information obtained.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for a psychiatric disability and PTSD should be remanded due to insufficient evidence. A new examination is needed to determine if the Veteran meets the criteria for PTSD, and whether his anxiety disorder and other diagnosed conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions alone did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to July 9, 2015. His TDIU claim was denied as his disabilities were at 60% combined and did not meet the regulatory threshold for total disability rating.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, but no higher, during the entire course of the appeal. He also received a TDIU rating.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for sleep apnea, acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, headaches, and left ring finger injury due to incomplete development. The Veteran's claim of CUE in the March 2015 rating decision is denied.