PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's back disability is granted a 40% rating, effective from July 18, 2017. The Veteran's PTSD remains at a 50% rating.

The Veteran's initial rating for other specified trauma and stressor related disorder (previously evaluated as PTSD) has been granted at a 70 percent level, effective February 17, 2005. The Veteran also received a TDIU effective January 4, 2006.

The Board has remanded the claims for right ear hearing loss, PTSD, and TDIU prior to April 25, 2012 due to incomplete records. The Veteran is required to provide additional information regarding his TDIU claim.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 70 percent, effective November 10, 2009. The right ankle disability is no longer in dispute due to the grant of a TDIU based on the right ankle. SMC at the housebound rate has been granted from November 10, 2009.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence supporting service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD. The Veteran's claims are pending further review.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol use disorder in remission is rated at 50 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The appeal was denied as there were no new and material evidence to reopen the claim.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected, while bilateral hearing loss and other conditions are denied.

The Board has found that the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are remanded due to a duty to assist error. The Veteran is requested to undergo an additional VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any currently present psychiatric disability, including PTSD.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The issues include psychiatric conditions, alcohol use disorder, and left knee pain.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD is denied. The claims for service connection for left knee pain and dysfunction, right knee pain and dysfunction, low back pain and dysfunction, and right shoulder pain and dysfunction are also denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty to assist error, and will consider evidence of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder including unspecified anxiety disorder and PTSD.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to duty-to-assist errors and the need for VA examinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an effective date prior to August 13, 2019 for a 70 percent rating for PTSD. The evidence did not show that his PTSD was manifested by symptoms more nearly approximating a higher rating within one year of his claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting opinions regarding the etiology of any diagnosed psychiatric disorder found, including major depressive disorder and PTSD. The Veteran's service records indicate he was harassed by superiors during his four months in the Army.

The Veteran's initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD is denied. Service connection for bilateral tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss are also denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for TBI residuals, finding that there is no current disability related to his in-service TBI. The Veteran's PTSD was already service-connected and attributed as the cause of his psychological symptoms.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder and anxiety disorder is granted, effective January 30, 2019. The Board found that the earliest effective date available was January 30, 2019.

The appeal for a rating in excess of 10 percent for back disability is dismissed. The issue related to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is remanded.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a reduction in the disability rating from 70 to 50 percent for PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence received since their previous decision, and a supplemental statement of the case must be issued.