PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional VA mental health treatment records. The initial compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss and the increased PTSD rating are both pending.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, and a migraine headaches disorder as the evidence did not establish in-service incurrences or a link to active duty service.

The Veteran's service connection claim for sleep disorder is denied as the objective medical evidence does not show that his sleep disorder was caused by an event, injury, or illness during active service.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and major depressive disorder) has been rated at 70 percent since June 1, 2013. The claim for a higher rating is denied as the evidence does not show that his symptoms meet or approximate total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's appeal for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to October 3, 2019 is dismissed because the claim was made as a freestanding request and there were no pending claims for which TDIU could have been part and parcel. The Veteran has already been granted TDIU effective from October 3, 2019.

An initial disability rating of 70 percent for PTSD has been granted, effective from the date of claim on May 20, 2008. The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected as it meets the criteria for a direct connection to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to the death of the appellant, and no service connection issues remain as they have been resolved.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA Form 21-8940 and medical records. The Veteran has multiple service-connected conditions that may impact his employment.

The Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and depression, is currently rated at 70 percent since September 17, 2018. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating due to insufficient occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of bilateral hearing loss has been granted, effective August 14, 2018.,Service connection for ischemic heart disease is granted based on new evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and initial rating for PTSD are remanded due to incomplete records, inadequate opinions, and the need for further examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected PTSD, depression, and panic disorder with agoraphobia. The evidence did not show that these conditions alone rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the claim of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to a lack of etiological opinions regarding whether the Veteran's hearing loss was caused or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities and/or prescribed medications.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent from February 19, 2019 onward. Effective April 25, 2017, the Veteran was granted a TDIU based on his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including bipolar disorder, PTSD, and major depressive disorder. The claim for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is remanded, and the TDIU claim remains pending.

The Board denied service connection for lumbar strain and the petition to reopen the PTSD claim. The Veteran's lumbar strain is not linked to his military service, and there is no evidence linking his PTSD to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted his TDIU claim.

The Board has determined that the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a heart condition, and a scar from heart surgery are inextricably intertwined due to the overlap between PTSD and the other conditions. As such, these issues have been remanded for further development.

The Board dismissed the appeals for increased rating for posttraumatic stress disorder, compensable rating for dermatitis, and service connection for joint pains.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance because there was no evidence that his service-connected disabilities rendered him bedridden or helpless to the extent he needed regular assistance.