PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the claim for a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities on an extraschedular basis prior to March 10, 2018. The Veteran's PTSD and bilateral hearing loss are considered in determining his unemployability.

The Veteran's cause of death was determined to be alcohol abuse, which is not service-connected. However, the Board found that his PTSD, a service-connected condition, may have contributed to his liver disease and thus caused or materially contributed to his death.

The Veteran's unspecified depressive disorder is granted service connection, but his post-traumatic stress disorder claim is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD has been manifested by symptoms productive of functional impairment comparable to occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks (although generally functioning satisfactorily, with routine behavior, self-care, and normal conversation).

The Board has remanded the case for additional development related to the Veteran's claimed in-service stressors and for a VA examination to determine all current psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. The Veteran is also asked to provide more details about his service-related stressors.

The Board has granted service connection for Erectile Dysfunction (ED) as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected tension headaches, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the claim.

The Veteran's schizophrenia (previously PTSD) is granted a 100% evaluation prior to January 9, 2019. The Veteran’s syncope is granted a 10% evaluation. Service connection for TBI and TDIU prior to May 4, 2011 are denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since the beginning of the appeal period, and a TDIU was granted prior to November 13, 2017.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for PTSD prior to October 7, 2019 was denied as the evidence did not show occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking or mood.,The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for PTSD from October 7, 2019 was also denied. The evidence did not meet the criteria for total occupational and social impairment due to symptoms like gross impairment in thought process or communication; persistent delusions or hallucinations.

The Board denied service connection for any acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, due to a lack of clinical diagnosis and the presence of other diagnosed mental disorders.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including posttraumatic stress disorder and unspecified depressive disorder, is denied as the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's service connection claims for PTSD, a low back condition, and a respiratory condition including shortness of breath have been granted. The acquired psychiatric disability claim remains denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities prior to November 2, 2018 did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated as 70 percent disabling since April 6, 2020. The rating is based on occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking and/or mood.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted at a 70 percent rating for the entire period on appeal, while his dermatitis/eczema remains rated at 10 percent. The decision does not address service connection theory or exposure basis.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for Traumatic Brain Injury, Left Hand Fracture Residuals, and increased rating for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder due to incomplete development.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since prior to December 11, 2019 and remains at 70 percent from December 11, 2019. The Board found the severity, frequency, and duration of the Veteran’s symptoms more closely approximate the symptoms contemplated by a 70 percent rating.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted a 70 percent rating, effective September 18, 2013. The other issues remain unresolved.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, is rated at 20 percent and the appeal period for an increased rating does not warrant a higher rating.,PTSD with generalized anxiety was rated at 70 percent prior to June 11, 2019. The case is remanded as the Veteran's symptoms do not meet criteria for a higher rating.,TDIU was granted effective November 19, 2016.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70% effective from January 20, 2005. The Board also granted a TDIU for the period prior to April 28, 2014.