PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

Service connection for PTSD, asthma, and right ear otitis media has been granted.,The Veteran's claim for service connection of a left ear condition (otitis media) is remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, diabetes mellitus type II, left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and now grants the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for these conditions. The Board also found that the Veteran did not have a current diagnosis of memory loss or cognitive decline, right ear hearing loss, digestive disorder, chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, fatigue, or loss of saliva at any time during the pendency of his claims.

The Board has remanded the claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent for dermatitis, to reopen service connection for sinusitis and PTSD (including as due to MST), due to new evidence received after the May 2019 statement of the case.

A rating of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus type II is granted effective January 23, 2020.,TDIU is granted effective December 2, 2012. Special monthly compensation based on housebound status is granted effective October 29, 2014.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and work history from December 2, 2012 onward.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 70 percent rating, effective September 14, 2007.

The Board denied a disability rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD after October 30, 2015 and denied entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability prior to October 30, 2015.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on aid and attendance or housebound status is remanded due to the need for an addendum opinion regarding his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and dementia.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD with other specified personality disorder and other specified trauma-related disorder, as well as his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected PTSD, have been dismissed because the benefits sought on appeal have already been granted.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 50 percent for his acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as post-traumatic stress disorder with anxiety (PTSD), was denied. The Board found that the Veteran’s symptoms did not warrant a higher rating than 50 percent. His claim for TDIU was also denied.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been withdrawn.,The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee patellofemoral syndrome and for a disability rating in excess of 50 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depressive disorder and PTSD. The Veteran's current right shoulder disability is also considered to be a direct result of his military service.,Service connection was granted for migraine headaches as the condition had onset during service and continued after separation.

The Veteran is granted a certificate of eligibility for specially adapted housing due to his service-connected disabilities.,The Veteran's claim for a special home adaptation grant and adaptive equipment are denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD.,The Veteran's adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood is already service-connected, so no new rating is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, and the claim for an evaluation in excess of this rating has been denied. The Veteran was granted TDIU and SMC based on housebound status from March 17, 2015.

The Board has granted service connection for Prinzmetal's angina on a presumptive basis due to exposure to Agent Orange, and has also granted entitlement to Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD and MST contributed to his death, granting service connection for the cause of his death. The appeal seeking a survivor's pension was dismissed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety disorder and depressive disorder. The case will be reviewed to determine if a diagnosis of PTSD was made in accordance with DSM-IV criteria and whether it is at least as likely as not that the conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's PTSD was denied an initial rating in excess of 70 percent from December 20, 2017. The Board also found that the criteria for a TDIU were not met prior to July 17, 2009.

The character of the Veteran’s discharge from service has been upgraded to 'under honorable conditions (general)' by the Army Board for Correction of Military Records, removing any prior bar to VA benefits. The issues regarding PTSD, right and left ear hearing loss, tinnitus, and a back disorder are referred to the AOJ for appropriate action.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen her claim of service connection for a gastrointestinal disability. The claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, traumatic brain injury, lumbar spine disability, left hip disability, and sleep disorder (sleep apnea) are remanded.