PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Bipolar disorder, finding that there is no current diagnosis of PTSD in accordance with DSM-V or DSM-IV criteria. The Board also found that there is insufficient evidence to establish a causal link between the Veteran's diagnosed psychiatric disorders and his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examination and further development is required before service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, can be decided.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, tinnitus, hearing loss, and erectile dysfunction, have rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment since July 13, 2010. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to further development being required, including obtaining comprehensive medical examinations and opinions.

The Veteran's posttraumatic stress disorder with opioid and alcohol dependence is rated at 70 percent from February 1, 2012 to October 22, 2013. The claim for a higher rating remains denied.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted an initial rating of 70 percent, effective prior to December 2, 2018. The appeal for a higher rating from December 2, 2018, is denied.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection. The cases for bilateral hearing loss, an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD, adjustment disorder, anxiety, and depression, and sleep apnea are remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, finding that there is no current diagnosis of a diagnosed psychiatric disorder attributable to in-service stressors.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, and the Board has remanded for further evaluation of his back disability. The TDIU claim was denied as the Veteran maintains employment.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in total occupational and social impairment, leading to a 100% rating from December 20, 2007. The Board granted this rating based on the evidence showing severe symptoms that prevented him from maintaining employment and meaningful relationships.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for coronary artery disease (CAD) is denied as the symptoms do not warrant a higher than 10 percent rating.,The Veteran's initial disability rating for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is denied as the symptoms do not warrant a higher than 30 percent rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been granted.,However, the Veteran's claim for TDIU was denied as his service-connected disabilities did not preclude all substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him so helpless as to need the regular aid and attendance of another person, warranting SMC based on Aid and Attendance for the period from November 26, 2013 to March 28, 2018.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, did not meet the criteria for a higher rating in excess of 50 percent from May 26, 2015 to April 6, 2016. The Board denied an increased rating and TDIU prior to April 6, 2016.

The Veteran's death prevented the appellant from receiving accrued benefits as there were no pending claims at the time of his death, and her application was not filed within one year of his death.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, finding that his current condition is not caused by or related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is denied because the evidence indicates that he has maintained the ability to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation throughout the appeal period.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD, other specified depressive disorder, and alcohol use disorder. The Veteran's diagnoses were not found to be related to his military service.,Increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity and left lower extremity were also denied.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for PTSD with major depression and TDIU due to a lack of development, specifically obtaining SSA records relevant to his disability benefits claim.

The Veteran's entitlement to special monthly compensation based on housebound status was granted effective February 26, 2015. The Board denied an earlier effective date.