PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent, and he is granted a TDIU due to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to an error in associating VA treatment records with the file, specifically two cardiac treatment notes from VistA Imaging.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 70 percent rating, but no higher. The appeal for TDIU was also granted.

The Board has denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability (claimed as PTSD) and remanded the issues of service connection for irritable bowel syndrome, right ankle degenerative joint disease, residuals of right tibia fracture, and residuals of left foot fracture.

The Veteran's right shoulder strain is rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,For PTSD prior to May 30, 2019, the Veteran's symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a 100% disability rating.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a 70 percent disability rating prior to September 19, 2017 and from November 1, 2017. The Veteran is also granted individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from engaging in substantially gainful employment prior to July 24, 2014. The Board denied TDIU and DEA benefits due to the Veteran's pursuit of an advanced degree.

The Veteran's appeal to establish increased initial ratings for bilateral hearing loss has been dismissed.,The Veteran's appeal to establish entitlement to an effective date prior to February 15, 2017, for the award of service connection for PTSD is denied. The Veteran submitted two Intent to File notifications within a year of each other, but there is no evidence that either was actually received or filed.,The Veteran's appeals for service connection for neuropathy-like neurological symptoms in his upper and lower extremities are granted.,The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a low back disability is remanded.,The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a gastroenterological disorder is remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression is granted a 70 percent evaluation, effective from the date of this decision. The other issues are remanded for further review.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD and TDIU are being remanded due to the submission of additional VA treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial and subsequent ratings for his left knee disability, left shoulder disability, PTSD, and residual scar related to the chin are being remanded due to procedural issues and need for additional medical examinations.

The Board has determined that the appellant's character of discharge from service was a bar to VA benefits due to willful and persistent misconduct. The appeal is remanded for further review, including obtaining medical opinions on whether the appellant was insane at the time of his misconduct.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and TDIU have been remanded due to the submission of additional evidence not previously considered.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted and rated at 70 percent, effective April 21, 2015. The appeal for a higher rating or an earlier effective date was denied.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of right shoulder, back, acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD shown as prominent borderline personality traits, and left shoulder conditions due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has remanded the claims for PTSD and TDIU due to new evidence being associated with the case file since previous statements of the case (SOCs).

The Board has dismissed all issues of service connection due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claims of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including schizoaffective disorder, PTSD and dysthymic disorder; chronic sinusitis residual to maxillary nasal polyps; obstructive sleep apnea; migraine headaches; and vertigo were granted. The criteria for these conditions are met.

A disability evaluation of 70 percent for PTSD is granted from October 5, 2012 to December 22, 2019. A TDIU due solely to service-connected PTSD is also granted.,From December 23, 2019 forward, a higher rating for PTSD is denied and the case is remanded.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain medical records from Dr. Monahan and a legible copy of the December 2018 correspondence from Dr. Drummond, before these claims can be adjudicated.