PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting medical opinions and the need for updated mental health records. The Veteran's current psychiatric disorders are being evaluated further.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder, finding that there is no evidence of an in-service stressor or trauma to support these diagnoses.

The Board has determined that the Veteran timely filed a substantive appeal regarding his claims for service connection and increased ratings, thus reinstating the underlying appeals.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for scleritis was denied. The claims for PTSD were granted with a 50% rating prior to November 26, 2010 and a 70% rating thereafter.,The decision is mixed as it grants some issues (PTSD) but denies others (scleritis).

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disabilities, specifically PTSD and Depressive Disorder. The VA provided an inadequate opinion in September 2020, and additional development is needed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including ED, headaches, a sleeping condition, acid reflux, hepatitis C, and a left shoulder injury. The decision is final as no substantive appeal was filed within the required time frame.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since April 20, 2005 and is granted until September 16, 2007. The rating is then denied.

The Veteran's PTSD with poly-substance abuse disorder is rated at 70 percent effective April 21, 2009. His seborrheic dermatitis is rated at 60 percent since December 2, 2013.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and bladder condition were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support higher ratings at any point during the appeal period.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, OSA, and migraines due to insufficient evidence and conflicting statements from the Veteran.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, but the Board finds no evidence to support a higher rating. The claims for GAD, agoraphobia, and OCD are denied as there is no diagnosis of these conditions in the medical records.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s) was denied because his service-connected disabilities did not meet the criteria for SMC based on a single disability rated as total and an additional disability ratable at 60 percent or more.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in significant occupational and social impairment, but not total impairment. The Board denied an increased rating for PTSD as the evidence did not show total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder, are related to his active service. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, but the effective dates are set at September 21, 2011. The Board has also remanded several issues related to lower extremity and hip disabilities due to lack of proper medical examinations.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD and service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been denied. The Board found that there was no in-service stressor and the current disability is not related to service.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for Posttraumatic Headaches, Neuropsychiatric Disorder (with headaches), Anxiety, Residuals of TBI with Memory Loss, Right Eye Condition, Bilateral Hearing Loss, Post Traumatic Headaches with Dizzy Spells/Syncope (claimed as Migraines and Vertigo), Keloid Scars, and Tinnitus have been reopened. However, the claims for service connection for these conditions remain pending.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, effective from the date of the decision.

The Veteran's PTSD and prostate cancer were not granted higher ratings, with the exception of a 70% rating for PTSD starting May 29, 2020.

The Board denied service connection for a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD and hypertension, finding no current disability and insufficient evidence to establish a link between the conditions and active duty.