PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Board has determined that the claim of TDIU from March 26, 2010 is moot due to the Veteran's receipt of a 100% disability rating for heart disease and SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s) since that date. The criteria for schedular TDIU prior to March 26, 2010 are not met as the Veteran did not meet the numeric requirements for a schedular TDIU. Referral for extraschedular consideration is also denied due to insufficient evidence of unemployability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial rating higher than 30 percent for PTSD prior to September 26, 2019 and a rating higher than 50 percent thereafter due to incomplete records. The AOJ is requested to obtain VA treatment records since September 2019 and records from the Portland Vet Center since February 2017.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD and major depression, recurrent was denied. His service connection claims for TBI and back disability were granted, while his left leg disability claim is pending and his TDIU claim is also pending.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD. The Veteran's in-service personal assault is considered a potential stressor.

The Veteran's claims for a higher disability rating for PTSD and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of February 25, 2014 for a 100 percent total disability rating based on multiple service-connected conditions. The Board found that no increase in disability occurred within one year prior to the February 25, 2014 claim and thus denied the Veteran's request.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, finding that his August 1968 motor vehicle accident was caused by his own willful misconduct and therefore not related to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete verification of the Veteran's claimed stressors. The Veteran is seeking service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, including PTSD, anxiety, insomnia, and depression. Further development is needed to verify these stressors.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for PTSD and Sleep Apnea due to insufficient evidence regarding his in-service stressors. Further development is needed, including verification of reported events and an examination by a medical provider.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD is granted as his current diagnosis of PTSD is related to an in-service personal assault.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and the need for an addendum opinion. The Veteran's acquired psychological disorders, including PTSD and depressive disorder, are being reviewed.

An initial 20 percent rating, but not higher, for degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the thoracolumbar spine is granted. Separate 10 percent ratings are granted for radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities effective May 9, 2009.,A separate initial 70 percent rating for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is granted.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher disability rating for PTSD has been withdrawn by his attorney, resulting in the dismissal of this issue.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been denied. The Board found no current diagnosis of hypertension, thus denying the claim. For other conditions, the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings.

The Board has granted a 70% rating for PTSD with MDD and alcohol abuse disorder effective October 31, 2012. The Veteran's claim was not factually ascertainable within the one-year lookback period prior to this date.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety disorder, and major depressive disorder, has been granted. The Board found that the evidence is at least as likely as not related to his active service.

The Veteran's increased ratings for PTSD, right knee, and left knee disabilities are denied. The Board found that the symptoms did not meet criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has granted the Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for sleep apnea, but has remanded the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and hypertension. The TDIU issue is also remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD, finding that his symptoms did not more nearly approximate a 100 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, and the Board denied an increased rating as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.