PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Board denied service connection for hypertension and found that the Veteran is not entitled to a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities, as his combined rating does not meet the required percentage threshold.

An increased disability rating of 50 percent for PTSD is granted.,The reduction in the rating for adenocarcinoma of the prostate from 100 percent to 40 percent, effective November 1, 2018, was proper and the claim for restoration is denied. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) is granted.,Beginning November 1, 2018, a disability rating in excess of 40 percent for adenocarcinoma of prostate is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since June 12, 2017, effective from the date of receipt of his claim for service connection. The rating will remain at 70 percent until further notice.

Effective dates of December 19, 2012, are granted for the establishment of service connection for left and right lower extremity diabetic neuropathy.,From July 27, 2011, to February 25, 2020, an initial schedular rating of 70 percent for PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder, panic disorder, and PTSD are rated at a 70 percent disability level since November 1, 2015. The TDIU claim is granted from June 4, 2007 to May 11, 2008.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and PTSD, as secondary to service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The case is being returned for further development.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as service connected due to exposure to herbicide agents.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (excluding PTSD) is denied. The Board found no evidence of a current diagnosis and insufficient link between the claimed in-service stressor and current symptoms.,Service connection for PTSD is denied. The Veteran did not meet all criteria, including credible supporting evidence that the claimed in-service stressor actually occurred.,Service connection for bilateral shoulder disability, cervical degenerative joint disease, lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, and bilateral hip disability are all denied.

The Veteran's service-connected neurogenic bladder and PTSD do not prevent him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require the assistance of another person in meeting his daily needs such as dressing, preparing meals, and medication management. The Veteran is granted SMC by reason of the need for regular aid and attendance of another person but denied spousal aid and attendance compensation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD (also claimed as personal trauma and sleep disturbances) is granted with an effective date of August 21, 2017. The decision was based on new evidence submitted within one year after the denial of his initial claim for sleep disturbances.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted with an effective date of July 31, 2008 and a rating of 50 percent prior to April 3, 2018. SMC at the housebound rate is granted from September 2, 2010 to April 2, 2018.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is denied as he does not meet the diagnostic criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent effective September 23, 2014. The rating is for occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has determined that new evidence received after the November 2013 denial is relevant to the issues of service connection for asthma, PTSD, and a back condition. The Veteran's asthma, PTSD, and back condition are all related to her military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a cervical spine disability and PTSD due to errors in duty to assist. The Veteran's SSA records are needed, and the claim for cervical spine disability should be reconsidered under the new evidentiary standard.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in severe impairment in the ability to establish and maintain effective or favorable relationships with people, warranting a 70 percent rating from September 22, 1994 to January 30, 2003.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, alcohol use disorder, and unspecified psychosis are granted as secondary to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of December 11, 2014 for the award of a TDIU. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing or following gainful employment as of that date.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty to assist error regarding an addendum medical opinion on whether the Veteran's TBI is related to or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for psychiatric disorder, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), due to a military sexual trauma event. The VA examiner concluded that the Veteran does not meet the DSM-5 criteria for PTSD and found no current diagnosis of any psychiatric disorder.