PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder and unspecified neurocognitive disorder was granted a rating of 50 percent prior to October 18, 2019. A higher rating is denied thereafter.,PTSD ratings were granted from October 18, 2019 onwards.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, but no higher. The TDIU claim prior to May 5, 2017 was denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence being associated with the file and the need for a VA examination. The Veteran's service connection claim is pending.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service treatment records and the need for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including whether they are related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and evaluation due to incomplete records and need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted an initial disability rating of 70 percent, effective January 29, 2020. The decision also grants entitlement to Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) for the period from August 7, 2003 onward.

The Veteran's PTSD with Generalized Anxiety Disorder is rated at 70 percent, effective May 13, 2010. Effective the same date, his individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is also granted.

The Veteran's PTSD claim is remanded for a new examination and additional records. His TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to non-compliance with previous instructions regarding obtaining the Veteran's National Guard personnel records, which are necessary for determining service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for migraines has been reopened, and the Board has granted a 70% rating for PTSD. The Veteran is also granted entitlement to TDIU.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals, head injury and an acquired psychiatric disorder including PTSD, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and schizophrenia due to insufficient evidence.

For the period prior to May 19, 2017, the Veteran's disability rating was 40 percent and did not meet the criteria for schedular consideration of TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities.,For the period from May 19, 2017, to November 21, 2018, the Veteran’s combined disability rating was 60 percent and did not meet the criteria for schedular consideration of TDIU; however, his service-connected PTSD precluded substantially gainful employment.,For the period beginning November 21, 2018, the Veteran's combined disability rating is 70 percent and meets the criteria for schedular consideration of TDIU; his service-connected PTSD precludes substantially gainful employment.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records from specific periods and providers. The Veteran's service connection claim will be reconsidered based on new evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD does not prevent him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment, so his claim for TDIU is denied.

The Veteran's appeal for a permanent and total rating for PTSD is remanded, as well as the issue of an evaluation in excess of 70 percent on and after September 1, 2015, for PTSD. Both issues are remanded due to the need for a more contemporaneous examination.

The appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed due to the Veteran's death. The Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate these claims as they are moot.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety disorder, and depressive disorder. The Veteran's current symptoms are related to his in-service stressors.

PTSD was granted at a rating of 50 percent prior to June 30, 2019.,PTSD was granted at a rating of 70 percent from June 30, 2019 to September 1, 2019 (excluding July 2, 2019).,Ischemic heart disease did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 60 percent.,The Veteran was granted TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and further development is required. The Veteran's right hip disorder and psychiatric condition (PTSD, unspecified neurocognitive disorder) are being reviewed for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for rhinitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), sleep apnea, and tension headaches is remanded. The claim for a 10 percent evaluation based on multiple, non-compensable, service-connected disabilities, under 38 C.F.R. § 3.324, for the period from January 31, 2007, to April 17, 2009 is withdrawn.,The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to June 18, 2013, for the grant of service connection for tension headaches is denied.