PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Board has expanded the scope of the claim to include all potentially diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorders. The Veteran's testimony and service records support a stressor event, but there is no medical diagnosis for PTSD or other mental health conditions. The case is remanded for further examination and consideration.

The Veteran's claims for a higher disability rating for PTSD and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and the request for Social Security records.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD prior to September 12, 2019 and from September 19, 2019 was denied. The claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities was also denied as the Veteran had only one service-connected disability (PTSD) rated at 70 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating of 100 percent due to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and insomnia disorder. The Board found that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD or any other Axis I disorder and that his insomnia disorder is more likely related to other factors, including poor sleep hygiene.

The Board has remanded the case for further analysis of a May 2014 psychological evaluation submitted by the Veteran's attorney, and to obtain better information regarding any personality disorder as well.

The Board has reopened several service connection claims due to new and material evidence. The hearing loss and tinnitus cases are remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, right shoulder strain, lumbar spine strain, and a fractured nasal bone, prevented him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment during the period from January 31, 2011 through December 31, 2014. The Board granted his claim for TDIU based on this evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with poly-substance abuse disorder has been granted a 100 percent disability rating, effective from the date of grant of service connection (November 21, 2011).

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms do not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 70 percent, as they are less severe and frequent than those required for a 100 percent rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (including PTSD, CAD, DM II, low back condition, left knee condition, and peripheral neuropathy) are of sufficient severity to preclude substantially gainful employment from May 15, 2008 to May 8, 2012.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not establish that he had diabetes at any time during or approximate to the pendency of his claim. For eligibility for specially adapted housing and special home adaptation grant due to glaucoma (legal blindness), the Veteran was granted eligibility.

The Board denied a request for an increased disability rating higher than 70 percent for service-connected PTSD between July 8, 2013 and December 16, 2015.

The Veteran's PTSD warrants a 70 percent disability rating, but no higher, prior to January 13, 2020. The evidence shows significant occupational and social impairment due to symptoms such as impaired impulse control, difficulty in establishing effective relationships, and frequent suicidal ideation.

The Board has remanded the claims for an effective date prior to September 13, 2004 and for an initial evaluation in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to incomplete development regarding the Veteran's reported in-service stressors.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examinations and the need for a supplemental opinion regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disorders, including PTSD.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for a rating in excess of 40 percent for degenerative disc disease with multilevel degenerative changes, s/p fusion of L4-L5 lumbar vertebrae and a rating in excess of 70 percent for post-traumatic stress disorder (previously claimed as mood disorder claimed as depression under DC 9434).

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for the cause of death, DIC under 38 U.S.C. § 1151, and burial benefits at the service-connected rate due to a lack of evidence showing that his death was caused by VA medical treatment or negligence.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted with a rating of 70 percent, effective from the date of the decision. Service connection for tinnitus and IBS are also granted.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to July 13, 2010 for service connection for alcohol abuse was denied. The claim for a rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD prior to February 21, 2013 was also denied.