PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims for increased PTSD compensation, TDIU, and DEA benefits are remanded due to the need for additional medical records and examinations.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent since November 15, 2017. This rating reflects the severity of his symptoms and impairment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the hepatitis C claim, and his PTSD, acquired psychiatric disorder (other than PTSD), low back condition, left knee condition, bilateral hearing loss, respiratory disorder, and cirrhosis of the liver claims were all denied due to lack of a causal relationship between service and these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for increased ratings for PTSD and diabetic neuropathy, as well as an award of SMC at the housebound rate are denied.,An effective date prior to December 14, 2015 is not warranted for a 100% evaluation for PTSD. The Veteran did not have an active claim or appeal pending for an increased rating for PTSD on this date.

The Veteran's initial rating for TBI prior to February 2, 2020 was denied. Service connection for PTSD with TBI was granted as of February 2, 2020, but the Veteran's increased rating claim remains pending. The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and TDIU claims are also pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a verified stressor for PTSD and therefore, service connection is denied. The case is being remanded to obtain an addendum opinion regarding the right thumb laceration.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment prior to January 31, 2012.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent prior to August 8, 2019, and increased to 70 percent thereafter. The appeal is denied for ratings in excess of these levels.,PTSD symptoms have been present since service but did not meet the criteria for a higher rating until after an increase in disability rating.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is denied as his service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment.,His back disorder remains rated at 40 percent, effective November 21, 2014.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating of PTSD due to outstanding records and examinations. The skin disability claim is also remanded for additional examination.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at no higher than a 50 percent rating effective April 17, 2018. The appeal for a higher rating is denied from March 1, 2019 onwards.

The Board has granted a 50 percent rating for PTSD, but the Court has remanded both the increased rating and TDIU issues due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for pseudofolliculitis barbae, left knee disability, and acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) due to outstanding records needing to be obtained and examinations being conducted.

The Veteran's PTSD signs and symptoms have not manifested with occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity prior to April 25, 2017. The Board denied the claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 30 percent prior to April 25, 2017.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, but has remanded it due to the need for additional development and an opinion regarding the etiology of his current psychiatric condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluations are remanded due to the need for additional medical records, social security administration (SSA) records, and VA examinations.

The Veteran's PTSD with substance abuse is rated at 70 percent throughout the appeal period, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD with depression and anxiety has been reopened, and the Board has granted this claim. The claims for erectile dysfunction and left ear hearing loss are remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for PTSD due to incomplete development of records from a Vet Center. The Veteran's spouse is seeking increased ratings and TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted at a 70% rating effective July 28, 2008. The Veteran's left knee and right knee replacements are each granted a 60% rating.