PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating from June 1, 2015 to November 27, 2018.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment, including prior to February 12, 2016. His chronic kidney disease with hypertension is rated at 80 percent since the appeal period began.

The Veteran's PTSD including generalized anxiety disorder has been rated at 50 percent since April 13, 2018. The Board found that the severity, frequency, and duration of his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development, including service connection claims and examinations. The Veteran's case is not ready for final decision.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50% effective May 26, 2017. His lumbar disability and left index finger disability are each granted a 10% rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is granted, and the case is remanded to assign an appropriate rating for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current right ear hearing loss disability as defined by VA regulations. The appeal for service connection for this condition is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial rating greater than 50 percent for PTSD, finding that his symptoms did not warrant a higher rating based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran was granted TDIU for the period prior to March 31, 2014 and since March 31, 2014. The decision is based on his service-connected disabilities collectively rated at 60% and 80%, respectively.

The Board has decided that additional development is needed for the claims of an increased rating for PTSD and TDIU due to a psychiatric disability. The Veteran's records from private psychiatrists need to be obtained, and he needs to provide information about any other medical providers who have treated him.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's current disability is related to his active duty service in the Gulf War Era.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues with verifying a reported in-service stressor and obtaining service treatment records. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and PTSD, is now pending again.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment, and therefore, he is not entitled to a TDIU.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's personality disorder is not service-connected due to it being a pre-existing condition. The issues of service connection for PTSD with Major Depressive Disorder and nonservice-connected pension benefits are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a new VA examination and missing treatment records. The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have worsened since his last examination in September 2016, and he is receiving new medication for nightmares related to his PTSD.

The Board has found that the Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically PTSD, needs further development and remanded. The case will be returned to the VA for a new examination and comprehensive medical opinion.

Service connection for allergic rhinitis and PTSD is granted, while BPH and diabetes are denied. The case is REMANDED for additional development regarding a respiratory disability claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for Type II Diabetes Mellitus was reopened, granted, and an effective date of July 2014 is assigned.,Service connection for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is granted as it is caused by the Veteran's service-connected PTSD.,Service connection for a heart condition is denied due to lack of current diagnosis.,The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than June 5, 2015 for his service-connected PTSD is denied.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating of 50 percent for PTSD prior to February 17, 2017 was denied. The claim for a higher rating of 70 percent for PTSD from February 17, 2017 was also denied.