PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted. The issue of entitlement to TDIU is also remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD with generalized anxiety disorder has resulted in occupational and social impairment, warranting a 70 percent rating.,The Veteran is found to be unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities, qualifying for TDIU.

The Board has denied service connection for various conditions, including PTSD, atrial fibrillation, peripheral arterial disease, parathyroid disability, seizure disorder, and swallowing disorder. The Veteran's claims were also denied for reopening his claims for lip cancer and stroke residuals due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, dementia, mild psychosis, insomnia, and vascular disease are all denied as there is no competent evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's PTSD has rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment since May 19, 2014. The Board granted a TDIU from that date.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD has been granted, and the claims for secondary service connection for lumbar spine disorder and left knee disorder are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD, left knee patellofemoral syndrome and shin splints, right knee patellofemoral syndrome and shin splints, as well as his claim for a total disability rating based on unemployability due to service-connected disabilities. The remand is required because of inconsistencies in the medical examinations provided by VA.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence for service connection of psychiatric disorders, bilateral knee disorders, and personal assault stressor claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD. The decision also includes a request for additional medical opinions and records.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a bilateral vision condition and sleep disorder has been withdrawn.,The Veteran's appeals for service connection for hypertension (due to herbicide exposure) and digestive condition secondary to PTSD have been remanded.,The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his PTSD is being remanded.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for a digestive condition and peripheral neuropathy in the bilateral upper and lower extremities are being remanded.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD, to include adjustment disorder with mixed depression and anxiety, is granted. Service connection for PTSD is denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disability, penile disability (manifested by erectile dysfunction), gastrointestinal disability, and an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD.,There is no current evidence of a diagnosed left knee disability or penile disability (manifested by erectile dysfunction) within the appellate period.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder, depression, PTSD or other stress disorder, an affective disorder, psychosis, and alcohol use disorder. The decision is based on new evidence that reopened his original claim.

The Board has expanded the Veteran's original claim for service connection for PTSD to include all acquired psychiatric disorders. The case is remanded due to the need for an addendum opinion regarding the August 2016 VA examination and additional diagnoses made by VA psychiatrists.

The Veteran's skin cancer and PTSD have been denied. The Veteran's PTSD has also been denied for increased ratings.

The appeal of the issue of entitlement to service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II is dismissed. The appeals for service connection for a left knee disability, right knee disability, cardiovascular disability, migraine headaches, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to September 1, 2017 is denied as his service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board also remanded the issue of entitlement to an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss due to outstanding VA treatment records.

The Board has denied the appellant's request for an earlier effective date for DIC benefits and has remanded the case to address her claim for increased DIC benefits.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and Phobia Disorder are denied as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions in conformity with the DSM-5.,The Veteran's claim for Fatigue is denied as his symptoms have been attributed to a service-connected disability (anxiety disorder).,The Veteran's claim for Insomnia is denied as his symptoms have been attributed to a service-connected disability (anxiety disorder).,The Veteran's claim for Memory Loss is denied as his symptoms have been attributed to a service-connected disability (major depressive disorder).

An initial 70 percent rating for PTSD is granted from November 8, 2012 to May 11, 2017. The Veteran's TDIU claim prior to May 12, 2017 remains pending.