PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Board dismissed all the issues in this appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal prior to the promulgation of a decision.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50% disabling, and his hypertension remains under review. The TDIU claim was denied due to the Veteran’s service-connected disabilities not meeting the criteria for a TDIU. The hypertension case has been remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD, major depressive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder have been rated at 70 percent since January 2, 2019. The appeal has been denied as the symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is granted a 50% rating. The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for respiratory condition, colitis, and prostate gland hypertrophy due to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD alone, along with other disabilities independently rated at least 60 percent, qualifies him for special monthly compensation (SMC) effective December 7, 2018. The Veteran is also granted a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective November 29, 2016. The Board also granted a TDIU based on the service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's PTSD claim due to an inadequate VA examination. The other claims for right ear hearing loss, left ear hearing loss, tinnitus, and right hip disability are denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient explanation of its reasons for finding that VA fulfilled its duty to assist the Veteran, particularly regarding the November 2018 examination and the Veteran's GERD treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD and DDD of the lumbosacral spine, as well as his claim for TDIU prior to January 2, 2013, were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show total social impairment due to PTSD or a combined range of motion greater than 120 degrees for the entire period on appeal.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a gallbladder condition is denied, while her claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including MDD and PTSD) is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's requests to reopen claims for service connection for PTSD and Degenerative Joint Disease of the Spine, finding that no new and material evidence was submitted since the final decisions.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board has remanded for further consideration of TDIU due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50% from May 1, 2007 to November 24, 2014 and increased to 70% during this period.

A 70 percent rating for PTSD is granted from March 11, 2011 to August 24, 2016. A rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD is denied.

The Veteran withdrew his claims for increased ratings for ischemic heart disease, PTSD, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities due to a grant of Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since October 25, 2011. The rating for her left shoulder strain has been adjusted to 20 percent effective July 14, 2016. Her combined disability ratings are sufficient to meet the schedular requirements for a TDIU.

The Veteran's left Achilles tendonitis is rated at 20 percent, and his PTSD remains at a 30 percent rating. The Board granted the 20 percent rating for the Achilles tendonitis but denied any increase in the PTSD rating.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and unspecified anxiety disorder with bereavement, are granted as service connected due to the presence of a current diagnosis related to in-service stressors.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of attempts to obtain records related to the Veteran's retirement from Norfolk Southern Corporation, and for further development regarding the severity of PTSD throughout the appeal period.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence for service connection of PTSD and major depressive disorder, requiring further development including verification of in-service stressors and a VA examination.