PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating of PTSD and a TDIU rating is being remanded due to outstanding treatment records and the need to obtain SSA disability benefit documents.

The Board has dismissed the appeal as there is no longer a case or issue in controversy due to the grant of service connection for other specified trauma and stressor related disorder, which was granted retroactively effective from December 24, 2013.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and depression, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his in-service experiences.

The Board has remanded the case due to missed VA examination and incomplete records. The Veteran's service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability other than bipolar disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is being reviewed.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a vision disability, finding that there is no evidence to support these claims. The decision also notes that further development may be needed before the issues can be fully adjudicated.

The Veteran's PTSD rating and earlier effective date claims are remanded for a new VA examination. The earlier effective date claim is deferred due to its interdependence with the increased rating claim. The 1151 claim for osteoporosis due to hypogonadism requires an additional VA medical opinion.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms prior to March 25, 2015 did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 30 percent. From March 25, 2015 onwards, his symptoms approximated the criteria for a 50 percent disability rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, characterized as PTSD, and residuals of a right-hand injury are etiologically related to his active duty service. The decision grants service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD caused deficiencies in most areas, including thinking, family relations, work, and mood. The Board found that a 70 percent rating is appropriate for the entire period.

The Board has remanded the case for an addendum opinion regarding whether the Veteran is in need of aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, including considering his service-connected PTSD, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and shell fragment wounds.

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation of 70 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder with depression is granted. The claim for service connection for coronary artery disease with two stents, also claimed as ischemic cardiomyopathy, is granted. The claim for a total rating due to individual unemployability is remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent prior to August 10, 2020 and at 50 percent thereafter. The appeal is remanded for further consideration.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD has been denied. The Board has found that the evidence does not support an increase to a higher rating, as his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a 70% disability rating under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.

The Board has remanded the case due to deficiencies in a prior VA medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is caused or aggravated by his service-connected major depressive disorder and PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent prior to April 4, 2018. The Board found that the Veteran’s symptoms resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent rating. TDIU was granted effective July 2, 2015.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, recurrent severe MDD with psychotic features, moderate cannabis use disorder, and moderate alcohol use disorder, due to military sexual trauma. The decision is based on the Veteran's consistent reports of her in-service sexual assault, which led to pregnancy and abortion.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for further development, including obtaining SSA records and verifying his mailing address.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, but the Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they do not meet the criteria for a disability rating greater than 50 percent.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional evidence and an addendum opinion regarding whether the Veteran's PTSD and anxiety disorder are related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD and an earlier effective date for TDIU is denied. The Veteran was granted a 70% disability rating for PTSD in March 2020, but the claim for increased rating remains pending.