PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Board denied service connection for PTSD because the evidence did not support that the Veteran experienced the claimed in-service stressors, which are required to establish service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD alone does not render him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment, and his TDIU claim is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his in-service stressor and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for the cause of death and entitlement to DIC benefits, finding that there was no evidence linking his death to any service-connected disabilities.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for increased ratings of PTSD, migraine headaches, tinnitus, and a scalp scar. The appeal regarding service connection for atrial fibrillation (claimed as ischemic heart disease) and skin cancer is remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent effective September 30, 2015.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and persistent depressive disorder, is remanded due to the inadequacy of the May 2017 VA examination. The case will be returned for a new examination.

A higher 70 percent initial rating for PTSD is granted, effective from the date of the decision. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also remanded as there are insufficient income details to determine if he qualifies.

The Veteran withdrew his claim for higher ratings for his service-connected PTSD prior to December 12, 2019, and in excess of 50 percent since.

The Board has granted an initial 100 percent evaluation for PTSD with bipolar disorder, finding that the Veteran's disability picture more nearly approximates total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's prostate condition, multiple soft tissue sarcoma and lipomas, and stomach disability have been granted. However, the Veteran's hearing loss disability and acquired psychological disorder remain unresolved.,Service connection has been established for prostate cancer due to exposure to herbicide agents in service.

The Veteran's PTSD, alcohol-use disorder, and major depression are now rated at 70 percent effective June 12, 2014. The appeal for an increased rating is granted.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for GERD as secondary to his service-connected PTSD, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis of GERD was aggravated by his PTSD.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a new VA examination regarding the Veteran's service-connected PTSD, as there are inconsistencies and gaps in the current evaluation.

The Veteran's PTSD and major depressive disorder were granted a 100% rating prior to January 10, 2014. The issue of entitlement to total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is dismissed as the Veteran now has a 100% schedular rating for his service-connected conditions.

The Board has restored a 100% rating for PTSD and granted SMC based on housebound criteria effective May 1, 2018.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination due to inconsistencies in medical records and the Veteran's assertions regarding his January 2020 knee examinations. The cases are also remanded for a determination on SMC based on TDIU.

The Board has granted service connection for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and remanded the issue of service connection for PTSD due to evidence in favor of a nexus between current psychiatric conditions and active service.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD has been denied. The Board has also remanded the issue of service connection for low back disability due to insufficient medical opinion.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since August 12, 2015. The Board found that the Veteran experienced occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas due to his symptoms but did not meet criteria for total social and occupational impairment.