PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding private and VA treatment records that may support the Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder. The AOJ is instructed to obtain these records and provide a supplemental medical opinion from the August 2016 VA examiner.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and PTSD. The Veteran's allegations of physical assault by police and sexual assault while in jail are to be considered during the examination process.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent prior to July 15, 2019. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating during this period.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 30 percent from September 15, 2011; 50 percent from July 1, 2015; 70 percent from July 5, 2016; and 50 percent from February 13, 2018.,The Veteran is granted a TDIU effective from July 1, 2015.

The Veteran's service connection for coronary artery disease and PTSD is granted, while his claims for high cholesterol, hypertension, prostate disorder, respiratory disorder, skin disorder, right foot disability, and left foot disability are remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, but no higher, throughout the appeal period. The symptoms are characterized by reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD, and hypertension are being reviewed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation from July 25, 2017, to March 7, 2018.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete employment information and a need for further assessments. The Veteran's claim for VR&E services, including pursuing an M.S.W. Degree, is pending.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The claim for PTSD was not timely filed, resulting in the June 2014 rating decision becoming final. Tinnitus is rated at its maximum of 10 percent. Hypertension does not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating. GERD meets the criteria for a 10 percent disability rating but no higher. The scar claim was granted based on service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD, with depressive disorder and anxious distress, is granted a rating of 50 percent. Service connection for gout, right hip disability, left hip disability, right foot disability, and left foot disability are all granted.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to an evaluation in excess of 50 percent for PTSD disability between October 3, 2013 and March 24, 2015 was denied. The Board also remanded the issue of service connection for a right ankle disability.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder prevented him from obtaining and maintaining a substantially gainful occupation from February 29, 2016, through June 13, 2019.

The Board has granted a 100 percent evaluation for the Veteran's service-connected PTSD with AUD, in sustained remission. The issue of entitlement to TDIU is dismissed as moot due to the grant of a 100 percent rating.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and assigned a 30 percent rating effective from May 7, 2013. The remaining issues on appeal have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of those claims.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for coronary artery disease (CAD) from July 1, 2016 is dismissed. The Veteran's initial 30 percent rating for CAD prior to July 1, 2016 is granted. Service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date, increased rating, and TDIU are being remanded due to the need to verify his service in Southwest Asia with dates of service and unit assignments.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The appeal was also remanded for further action on some issues.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and adjustment disorder with anxiety and depression, finding that there is no current diagnosis of PTSD and no nexus between active service and his current condition.

The Veteran's claim for higher initial ratings for PTSD with MDD and alcohol dependence, as well as a TDIU prior to April 9, 2014, was denied. The appeal is based on the Veteran's service-connected PTSD.