PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent from November 23, 2015 to May 26, 2016. From May 26, 2016, the rating was increased to 50 percent.

The Veteran's major depression (claimed as PTSD) was not productive of total occupational and social impairment, but his overall disability picture warranted a 70 percent evaluation. The appeal for higher evaluations on the basis of substitution is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for PTSD, left knee strain, and left hip bursitis due to insufficient examination reports and failure to address functional impairment during flare-ups.

The Veteran's PTSD rating is being remanded due to a recent hearing where he indicated his condition has worsened since the last VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a low back disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD. The case is being returned to the RO for further development.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD and Bipolar Disorder are granted, but his claim for TBI is denied.

The Veteran's claims for bipolar disorder, substance abuse disorder, tinnitus, and PTSD with alcohol dependence have been withdrawn. The claim of service connection for tinnitus has been reopened due to new evidence received since the September 2014 rating decision. Service connection for tinnitus is granted. A 70 percent disability rating for PTSD with alcohol dependence prior to May 1, 2018 is granted, but a higher rating is denied from that date onwards.

The Veteran's headaches are proximately due to his service-connected right knee condition, PTSD, and tinnitus. The Board has granted the claim for service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for a TDIU and non-service-connected disability pension benefits, finding that his service-connected PTSD and migraines did not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's PTSD with Major Depressive Disorder, Diabetes Mellitus and Coronary Artery Disease are granted as service-connected due to presumed exposure. Sickle Cell Trait is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been granted, as the evidence supports a finding that his current psychiatric disability is related to service.,Service connection was also granted for depression. The March 2019 VA examination report provided a competent and credible medical nexus between the Veteran’s current depressive disorder and his in-service head injuries and traumatic brain injury (TBI).

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for PTSD, type II diabetes mellitus, neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities, erectile dysfunction, and sleep apnea due to new evidence indicating potential exposure to herbicides. The Veteran's statements regarding his stressors need to be verified, and a statement of the case should be issued on these issues.

The Board has granted service connection for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a result of military sexual trauma (MST), finding that the Veteran's current psychiatric disorder is at least as likely as not related to an in-service event.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of service connection for PTSD is denied. The Board has also remanded the issues of entitlement to a higher rating for PTSD and TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional VA treatment records and scheduling a psychiatric examination to determine the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. The right knee disability issue is also being remanded for an updated evaluation.

The Board has remanded the claims of entitlement to higher ratings for PTSD, both prior and subsequent to October 5, 2009, due to additional evidence being available.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, and the Board finds that his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and TDIU has been dismissed as he is already receiving the maximum combined rating for his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and benefits were denied. The right lower extremity below the knee amputation is rated at 40 percent, which is the maximum available under Diagnostic Code 5165.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for his stump scar was also denied.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since June 3, 2020. From May 1, 2011, the Veteran was granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.