PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and sleep disorder was granted in a May 2019 rating decision. The claims for inflammation of the joints, chronic fatigue syndrome, anemia, elevated white cell blood count (WCB) and chronic blood disorder, lymphedema, postsurgical hypothyroidism, residuals of radiation exposure, sleep apnea, low back disability, bilateral hip disability, and bilateral knee pain are all remanded.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety disorder, depression, cognitive impairment, and adjustment disorder, is granted as service-connected.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD, but granted service connection for insomnia disorder. The denial of PTSD is based on the lack of a current diagnosis that conforms to DSM-5 criteria and conflicting medical opinions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, gastrocnemius/soleus complex problems, subtalar disorder, and sleep apnea, render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, but the Board has determined that this rating does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation due to insufficient evidence of total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's attorney is contesting the VA's decision on eligibility for attorney fees based on past-due benefits awarded in a January 2019 rating decision. The case needs to be remanded to ensure full compliance with contested claims procedures.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for chronic urticaria with angioedema and anaphylaxis is granted at a 40 percent level, effective from the date of his December 2014 claim. The Veteran's PTSD with depression (also diagnosed as generalized anxiety disorder) remains rated at 30 percent.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder (other than PTSD) due to insufficient evidence on file. The Veteran's in-service stressors include seeing, transporting, and disposing of dead bodies during his time in Korea.

The Veteran's Cluster B personality traits are not considered a disability for VA compensation purposes, and service connection is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for PTSD and migraines, as well as his TDIU claim due to a lack of proper notification regarding scheduled VA examinations. The Veteran is required to report for these examinations.

The Veteran's initial ratings for service-connected bilateral hearing loss and PTSD were denied, while his claim for GERD was denied. The appeal is remanded for further action on the issue of service connection for sleep apnea.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues related to his service-connected conditions, including PTSD, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities. The Board has determined that additional development is needed for several of these claims.,The Veteran was previously denied a higher rating for PTSD prior to February 11, 2016 and in excess of 70 percent thereafter. He also appealed his diabetes mellitus rating, peripheral neuropathy ratings, and effective dates for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for increased PTSD and TDIU ratings prior to May 15, 2015 are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD was granted, effective August 20, 2014. However, the claims for earlier effective dates and increased ratings were dismissed.,SMC at housebound rate is denied as the Veteran does not meet the criteria with his current service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU was denied in the June 2015 rating decision, and the appellant is not eligible for attorney fees as there is no valid written fee agreement between the Veteran and the appellant.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the appellant's service-connected conditions and their impact on his discharge from military service. The VA will need to obtain new medical opinions to determine if the appellant meets one of the exceptions to the 181-day time in service requirement.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 20 percent, and service connection for retinopathy as a complication of his diabetes mellitus has been granted. The Veteran's PTSD claim was withdrawn during the hearing, and he is now receiving TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 100 percent, the maximum schedular rating. The Board has granted an initial rating of 100 percent for PTSD and dismissed his claim for TDIU as moot.

The Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus is granted service connection due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents. The claim for a higher rating for PTSD was denied, and the TDIU claim was also denied.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records and arranging for an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's PTSD diagnosis.