PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was previously denied in February 2001 and May 2010. The Veteran filed a petition to reopen the claim on August 30, 2016, which resulted in an effective date of August 30, 2016.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and other conditions render him unable to work, leading to a grant of TDIU. He also needs aid and attendance due to his PTSD symptoms.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD and depression. The case will be returned for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity prior to December 18, 2019. Since then, it has caused significant deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral pes planus, cervical spine degenerative disc disease, and right shoulder strain have been granted. The claim for PTSD remains denied.

The Board has decided the issues of entitlement to an effective date earlier than March 1, 2010 for PTSD with history of adjustment disorder and mood changes, and entitlement to increased evaluation higher than 50 percent for PTSD with history of adjustment disorder with mood changes from March 1, 2010 to June 29, 2016. The issues have been remanded due to the Veteran's appeal being finally decided in an October 2019 Board decision.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for a rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD and service connection for alcohol abuse as secondary to PTSD. The current rating for PTSD is 50 percent.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty-to-assist error, requiring additional information on the relationship between the Veteran's psychiatric disorders and his service.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 100 percent rating for PTSD and bipolar disorder mixed with psychotic features is denied. The Board found that it was not factually ascertainable that the Veteran's conditions were 100% disabling prior to March 6, 2019.

The Board has granted service connection for sexual dysfunction as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD, finding that the current sexual dysfunction is related to the service-connected PTSD and resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has granted service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) with Major Depressive Disorder, finding an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence in favor of the Veteran's claim. The decision is based on credible supporting evidence that corroborates the Veteran’s allegations of military sexual trauma (MST).

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty-to-assist error related to the Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The RO should attempt to corroborate the Veteran’s in-service stressors and afford him a VA examination to determine the etiology of any diagnosed psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for major depressive disorder with anxious distress (also claimed as PTSD) was denied, and he is still rated at 70 percent. The Veteran also received SMC based on the need for aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and examination, including obtaining updated treatment records and an addendum opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's OSA and service.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and peripheral neuropathy, finding that the claimed stressors were not verified and there was no medical evidence linking the conditions to service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran has been found unemployable due to service-connected disabilities since May 27, 2003. The effective date for the TDIU is set at that time.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an updated VA examination for the Veteran's claimed psychiatric conditions, as the current examination was inadequate.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's discharge from military service is not a bar to receiving VA compensation benefits, including health care under Chapter 17. The decision is based on the Veteran's in-service sexual assault and his prolonged AWOL period due to compelling circumstances.

The Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, is granted. The issue of an initial disability rating in excess of 30 percent for the acquired psychiatric disorder remains remanded. Service connection for IBS is also remanded.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions including back, migraine headaches, vertigo, PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, right foot condition, and left foot condition due to lack of current diagnoses.