PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD disability, standing alone, prevents him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation since December 7, 2010.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, depression, and anxiety due to a lack of current diagnoses and conflicting medical opinions. The Veteran was presumed exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune during his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any PTSD, including whether it is related to an in-service personal assault (MST). The examiner must also opine on the relationship between other acquired psychiatric disorders and service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD does not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance due to his dementia, which is a non-service connected condition.

The Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and depression, was granted. The claims for heart disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, sleep apnea, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension were remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent prior to January 7, 2019. The Board found that the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50% from December 31, 2019. The Board has remanded the cases for further development regarding service connection for keratosis pilaris and TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are preventing him from securing and following substantially gainful employment, and the Board has ordered a remand to obtain updated medical opinions addressing this issue.

The Veteran's right and left ankle conditions, including pain, medical treatment, corresponding functional impairment and flare-ups, are rated at 20 percent. Service connection for pes planus is granted. The Veteran's claims for big toe joint pain and swelling on feet, PTSD, and left wrist condition are dismissed.

The Veteran's claims for hypertension and an acquired psychiatric disability to include PTSD are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent prior to July 10, 2019 and granted a TDIU. As of July 10, 2019, the rating for PTSD remains at 70 percent.

The application to reopen the previously denied claim of service connection for a psychiatric disability is granted. The claim remains pending as it was remanded.,The application to reopen the previously denied claim of service connection for visual impairment, claimed as due to retina burn from napalm, is denied.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination, including obtaining service treatment records from the Veteran's first period of enlistment in the United States Navy. The issues of service connection for hepatitis C and an acquired psychiatric disorder are also being remanded to obtain a supplemental VA opinion.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for an initial disability rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD prior to October 30, 2016 and a TDIU prior to March 4, 2015. As a result, the Board dismissed these claims.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's symptoms align with DSM-5 criteria and his in-service stressors. The decision is based on a preponderance of evidence favoring the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, kidney disorder, and strokes due to incomplete development. The Veteran is seeking service connection based on direct evidence of a link between his current conditions and his military service.

The VA denied the agent's fees for past due benefits awarded in January 2017, as the fee agreements were not valid and S.S. no longer had power of attorney.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on several conditions have been dismissed. The claims of reopening a psychiatric disorder and hypertension have been remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD was denied. The Board also found that the Veteran is entitled to a TDIU based on his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and depressive disorder have been granted an initial 70 percent rating, effective July 5, 2017. The effective date for the TDIU was also established as July 5, 2017.