PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claim for earlier effective date of service connection for PTSD was denied as the evidence did not show an intent to file a service connection claim prior to January 28, 2010.

The Veteran was granted a TDIU from October 30, 2018 to November 28, 2018. His claim for service connection for a heart disability is remanded and his temporary total rating based on hospital treatment in excess of 21 days for left knee disability is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a bullet wound near the spine, migraines (to include as secondary to residuals of a bullet wound), and an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include posttraumatic stress disorder) due to insufficient evidence showing in-service injury or stressor.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD as there was no credible evidence of a stressor during the qualifying period of Reserve service, and the appellant's allegations were not corroborated.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted, with the Board finding that his diagnosis of PTSD is at least as likely as not related to in-service events.

The Veteran's PTSD was characterized by frequent sleep impairment, impaired impulse control, suicidal ideation, and a desire to isolate himself. The Board granted an initial rating of 70 percent for PTSD.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development, including the TDIU claim and service connection for PTSD. The Veteran's attorney requested copies of the curriculum vitae of VA examiners who conducted examinations on his behalf.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, which reflects symptoms of reduced reliability and productivity. The Board found that the current rating adequately captures the severity of his disability.

The Veteran is unable to maintain substantially gainful employment due to service-connected disabilities since March 1, 2014. The Board finds that the criteria for a TDIU have been met from this date.

The Veteran's initial claim for a compensable rating for tension headaches was denied. The Board found that the Veteran’s PTSD warrants a rating of 70 percent for the entire period prior to August 20, 2019.,For right and left lower extremity radiculopathy claims, the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher than 20 percent rating at any time. The Board also denied her request for an earlier effective date for service connection of these conditions.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for PTSD is granted. The Board has also remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of his acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a left ankle disability and an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD. The claims are being returned to VA for further development, including examinations.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD was denied as VA is precluded, by law, from granting an effective date prior to January 30, 1985.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder were granted a 50 percent evaluation effective January 28, 2020. The severity of the symptoms more closely approximated occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and TDIU are remanded due to lack of substantial compliance with the Board’s prior remand directives.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorders, including anxiety, major depression, and PTSD, were not incurred during service. The claims for service connection are denied.

The Veteran's claim for an increased initial evaluation in excess of 70 percent for PTSD was denied. The Board found that the Veteran’s symptoms met the criteria associated with a 70 percent disability rating, but did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board dismissed the appeal as it is moot due to the appellant's death, and no further action can be taken on this matter.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for PTSD, OSA, Hypertension, and GERD due to insufficient medical evidence in the record.

The Board is remanding the case to determine if a May 2013 letter from the Veteran's therapist constitutes new and material evidence, which could affect whether a timely Notice of Disagreement (NOD) was filed with the July 2012 rating decision regarding TDIU.