PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for a TDIU due to the need for additional development of evidence regarding his physical and mental abilities related to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and TDIU are being remanded due to non-compliance with the December 2019 remand instructions.

The Board has found there was not substantial compliance with all prior remand directives and that there are outstanding relevant records in Federal custody. The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral leg disability, PTSD, and individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities are being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted as service connection due to exposure to acoustic trauma during active service.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is granted based on the benefit of doubt and his active service.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, and a TDIU prior to September 7, 2016, is granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for erectile dysfunction, neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, and nervous tremors due to exposure to herbicide agents.,All aspects of the Veteran's contentions should be addressed in the etiology opinions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, lumbosacral strain, ischemic heart disease, and various gunshot wound residuals, have resulted in loss of use of the lower extremities. The Board has granted specially adapted housing for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied due to lack of verified in-service stressors. The temporary total ratings for right and left knee surgeries were also denied as the evidence did not show severe postoperative residuals or immobilization.,The Veteran's application for TDIU was denied because his service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and TDIU have been dismissed. The Board has also remanded the PTSD claim.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher initial evaluation of his service-connected PTSD has been dismissed due to the withdrawal by the Veteran and his attorney.

The Board denied a higher disability rating for the Veteran's PTSD, finding that his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a 70 percent rating due to occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disability and psychiatric disabilities (including PTSD) have been granted. The case is remanded to further develop evidence related to these claims.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD and TDIU has been remanded due to inadequate examination reports and the need for additional development.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD with secondary alcohol use in full remission is being remanded due to the addition of relevant VA treatment records and pending examination results.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral knee disability, knee scars, and TBI. The claims for hearing loss, tinnitus, and acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) are remanded for further development.

The Board has granted a TDIU from March 1, 2015. The matter of entitlement to an extraschedular TDIU from February 6, 2008, to September 29, 2009 is remanded for further action.

The Board denied a disability rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD with depression and TBI, but granted an effective date of January 24, 2016 for the award of a 70 percent rating.

The Board denied service connection for a right elbow disability and an acne disability, but granted service connection for acquired psychiatric disorders including PTSD, anxiety disorder, mood disorder, and bipolar disorder.,Service connection was not established for the right elbow disability due to lack of in-service injury or diagnosis. The acne disability claim was denied as there is no evidence of pre-existing condition prior to service.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder has been granted an initial rating of 70 percent, effective January 23, 2019. The other claims have been denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 30 percent from February 28, 2006 until April 24, 2014.