PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial disability rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD with alcohol abuse disorder and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to incomplete records, including EEOC investigation results and VA treatment records. The AOJ is instructed to obtain these records and provide the Veteran with an addendum opinion addressing his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for seborrheic dermatitis was denied, and the effective date for TDIU was also denied. The Board found that a higher rating for seborrheic dermatitis prior to May 2018 is not warranted, and since May 7, 2018, it is rated at 60 percent. The Veteran's PTSD did not meet the criteria for TDIU before November 5, 2010.

The Board has granted service connection for Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. The issue of entitlement to a Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) is remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent from August 22, 2012 and increased to 70 percent effective April 6, 2019. The appeal for a rating in excess of 70 percent for the entire appeal period was denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and sleep apnea has been remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected conditions, including TBI and PTSD. The AOJ is instructed to review all new evidence since the last statement of the case and determine if any benefits can be granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted with a 100% disability rating, effective October 16, 2017.,An earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD is denied.,Service connection for back disability is not reopened and remains denied.,Service connection for bilateral knee disability is not reopened and remains denied.,Service connection for bilateral ankle disability is not reopened and remains denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD and TDIU are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding his disability levels and employment status.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated as 30 percent disabling, but the Board finds that it does not meet or more closely approximate the criteria for a higher rating.,There is no current diagnosis of ischemic heart disease. The Veteran has hypertension which predates his diabetes and there is no evidence of ischemic heart disease.

The Veteran's increased rating for PTSD claim is granted with a disability rating of 100% effective August 15, 2017.,Service connection for hypothyroidism and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities are remanded due to insufficient evidence or procedural issues.

The Board has granted service connection for other specified trauma and stressor related disorder, finding that the Veteran's diagnosis is at least as likely as not related to a fear of hostile military or terrorist activity during Gulf War service. Service connection for PTSD was denied due to lack of verified in-service stressors.

The Veteran's tinnitus, PTSD, back condition, and hearing loss are all granted. The service connection for sleep apnea is remanded due to the intertwined nature with the PTSD claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate opinion regarding whether sleep apnea is caused or aggravated by service-connected PTSD. The claim will be further developed and a new opinion must be provided.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70% effective November 8, 2010. A TDIU is granted from that date. The Veteran also has a non-compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and a 10% rating for tinnitus.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person (SMC-AA) or at the housebound rate is remanded due to inadequate medical evidence in the record.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted at a 70 percent rating prior to October 19, 2016 and TDIU is granted. The appeal for an increased rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD is dismissed.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, persistent depressive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder based on the Veteran's in-service exposure to traumatic events.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board has found that this rating is appropriate. The case is remanded for further examination to determine if a higher rating or TDIU should be granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD due to incomplete records, lack of proper medical opinions, and need for further development.

The Veteran's left ankle disability with degenerative joint disease, along with her PTSD and sleep apnea, are rated at 20 percent each. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating or TDIU due to these service-connected conditions.