PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's request for clothing allowances based on the use of knee braces is denied because the braces are not used to treat a service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and a need for further development, including VA examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment from May 28, 2020.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to incomplete employment information and the need for a VA examination to assess his functional impairments.

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in evidence regarding whether military sexual trauma occurred during service and whether a current acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is related to service. Further development is needed.

The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected PTSD, finding that the Veteran's PTSD symptoms render him unable to obtain or substantially follow gainful employment.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, but did not result in total occupational and social impairment. The Board granted a 70 percent rating for PTSD from April 17, 2013 to May 15, 2014.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for PTSD was denied, and he was granted a TDIU. The Board found that the Veteran’s PTSD symptoms did not warrant a higher than 70 percent rating, but his service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder are both rated at 50 percent, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's claim for a disability rating of 20 percent for his service-connected gunshot wound to the right thigh with healed fracture to the right femur has been granted. The Board also found that he is entitled to an additional 40 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 5317 for muscle Group XVII, which involves the gluteus maximus, medius, and minimus muscles due to his service-connected gunshot wound. However, the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea secondary to obesity due to PTSD and his service-connected gunshot wound has been denied.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, bilateral pes planus, and decreased visual acuity are being remanded due to the addition of new VA treatment records. The RO needs to consider these records in their decision.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, which is the maximum rating available under DC 9411. The other service-connected conditions (RLE and LLE peripheral neuropathy) are not rated higher than their current levels.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral eye disability, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and sleep disturbance), and a respiratory disorder (COPD) due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.,The Veteran's failure to report for VA examinations related to his claims resulted in their denial.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD due to military sexual trauma (MST) is denied, and his TDIU claim is also denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and sleep apnea due to potential pre-existing conditions and need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining evidence to corroborate the Veteran's stressors and arranging for VA examinations to assess her psychological disorders and cervical spine disability.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for right cervicothoracic pain and tinnitus as they have been withdrawn by the Veteran. The remaining issues of service connection for various conditions are remanded due to new evidence being added to the record.

An effective date of October 13, 2017, but no earlier, is granted for the award of a 50 percent rating for PTSD to include anxiety disorder.,From May 9, 2018, a rating greater than 50 percent for PTSD to include anxiety disorder is denied.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and COPD have been rated based on their current severity. The Board has remanded the claims for further development to obtain medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of his hand tremors and acquired psychiatric disorder.,The Veteran's service-connected COPD does not warrant a compensable rating as it is currently manifested by mild pulmonary impairment. His claim for an increased rating is therefore denied.,The Veteran has been diagnosed with hand tremors, which are related to his in-service right hand injury. The Board has remanded the claim for further development to obtain medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of his hand tremors.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is currently not service-connected. The Board has remanded the claim for further development to obtain medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of his acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted at a 50% rating from October 12, 2012 to March 9, 2015 and at a 70% rating since March 9, 2015. The claim for TDIU prior to December 15, 2015 is denied.