PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

Service connection for PTSD is granted. Initial disability ratings in excess of 10 percent are denied for left upper extremity radiculopathy, lumbar spine disability, and cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 30 percent prior to September 23, 2019, and at 50 percent as of September 23, 2019. The claim for a higher rating remains denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, effective August 13, 2013. The Board has remanded both the initial rating and TDIU claims for further development.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for PTSD was withdrawn. The Board granted a TDIU based on the Veteran’s service-connected disabilities preventing him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment. The appeals for increased ratings for radiculopathy of the left upper extremity and degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine are remanded.

The Board has remanded two issues related to effective dates for ratings and special monthly compensation. The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 100 percent, but the effective date needs to be determined.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's discharge from service was not a statutory or regulatory bar to receiving VA benefits, and therefore grants his appeal for PTSD. The status of hearing loss and tinnitus service connection claims is unknown as they have not been addressed on their merits.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, gout, and posttraumatic stress disorder have been denied. The Board found that there was no evidence of a nexus between the current conditions and service.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms cause occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks.,Low back strain with degenerative changes causes loss of forward flexion to 90 degrees prior to September 20, 2019 and to 60 degrees thereafter.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a low back disability have been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. However, these claims are still pending as they were remanded by the Board.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and Adjustment Disorder with Mixed Anxiety and Depressed Mood, finding that there was no current diagnosis of PTSD in accordance with VA regulatory criteria and that his adjustment disorder is not related to any disease or injury during service.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to the Veteran's auditory thresholds being within normal limits. Service connection for PTSD is remanded as there are conflicting diagnoses and stressor verification issues.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was granted, and the issue of reopening his prior claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD is also granted. The case has been remanded for further development including a VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and right elbow/shoulder conditions, rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment prior to February 9, 2009.

The Veteran's PTSD and alcohol use disorder are granted as service connected due to in-service stressors.

The Veteran's service-connected depression with PTSD prevented him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment from May 27, 2008 through January 15, 2015.

The Veteran's claim for automobile and adaptive equipment was denied because he does not have the qualifying service-connected disabilities as defined by VA regulations.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to failure to comply with a previous remand directive, and an examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders are related to service.

The Board has found that there is no evidence of a skin disability or diabetes mellitus, type II, being related to service. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder and low back disability are also not supported by the evidence presented.

The claim to reopen the previously denied PTSD claim is granted. The issue of service connection for psychiatric disability, including PTSD, is remanded.

An initial 70 percent rating for PTSD is granted effective from June 1, 2007, and October 1, 2009. The claim of a higher rating for PTSD from June 1, 2007 to July 12, 2009, and thereafter, is denied.,A total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) effective June 1, 2007, is granted.