PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for unspecified depressive disorder were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a diagnosis of PTSD or any other psychiatric condition related to service, and that his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of July 14, 2010 for the award of service connection for PTSD. The Veteran's initial symptoms were first documented on this date.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's claimed in-service stressor of being falsely accused of sexual assault during military service is verified and linked to his current symptoms.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is granted a 70% rating, effective from September 2008. The claim for GERD service connection is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder was initially received on December 4, 2013. The Board granted the effective date of December 4, 2013 based on the receipt of a statement indicating his intent to withdraw the appeal as to PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate reasons and bases in their decision, specifically regarding the occupational and social impairment caused by PTSD. The Veteran's symptoms may warrant a higher rating than currently assigned.

The Board denied a disability rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD and the earlier effective date claim for the assignment of a 70 percent disability rating.

Service connection for tinnitus has been granted.,An initial disability rating of 70 percent for PTSD is granted. The Veteran's hearing loss claim is remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has granted an effective date of July 21, 2009 for a 10 percent rating for lumbar lipoma. The claims for service connection for PTSD and erectile dysfunction, as well as special monthly compensation for loss of use of a creative organ, are denied prior to March 23, 2015.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 30 percent for depressive disorder (claimed as PTSD and psychotic disorder) was denied. The Board found that the severity, frequency, and duration of his symptoms did not more closely approximate a disability manifested by occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. His claim for total disability rating based on individual unemployability was also denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 100% from June 20, 2006 to March 20, 2019. The issue of TDIU prior to March 20, 2019 is dismissed as moot due to the grant of a 100% rating for PTSD.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and psoriasis. The Veteran's claims were not supported by evidence of a current disability that began during or was related to his military service.,Service connection for PTSD could not be established due to lack of verified stressors, while the diagnoses of anxiety and depressive disorders did not meet the criteria for PTSD under DSM-5.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, other than PTSD, and a left shoulder disorder due to lack of evidence supporting these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date prior to February 9, 2012 for service-connected PTSD. The most recent claim was received on that date and no new and material evidence was submitted within a year of notification of the denial in October 1999.

The Board has remanded the claims for effective dates and service connection, as well as increased ratings for PTSD and tinnitus. The TDIU claim is also inextricably intertwined with these issues.

The Veteran's service connection for headaches is denied as the preexisting condition was not aggravated by service.,Service connection for PTSD is also denied, with a rating in excess of 30 percent being denied due to lack of aggravation and no evidence supporting an increase in severity during service.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder was rated at 50 percent, but a higher 70 percent rating is granted.,The Veteran’s diabetic retinopathy was rated at 10 percent, and the maximum 70 percent rating for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a 100% rating, indicating total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for PTSD, alcohol use disorder with TBI is denied. The Board finds that the appropriate effective date for the grant of service connection for these conditions is August 18, 2017. Service connection for left arm, shoulder, hip, knee, and low back disabilities are remanded.