PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for PTSD and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence, including updated VA treatment records and an up-to-date VA examination. The claim for TDIU also requires information on the Veteran's employment history.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent prior to July 12, 2017 and denied for a higher rating. The claim of service connection for a skin condition (dermatitis, eczema, and tinea versicolor) has been reopened due to new evidence.,The Veteran's lumbar spine DDD, left knee DJD, right knee degenerative arthritis, and TDIU claims are all remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's TDIU claim due to incomplete development and the need for updated employment information. The issues of increased ratings for varicose veins have also been remanded.

The Veteran's initial rating for sinusitis is denied as her symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The Board found that she does not have three or more incapacitating episodes of sinusitis per year requiring prolonged antibiotic treatment, and thus, an initial 10% rating remains appropriate.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 50 percent evaluation prior to July 12, 2016 and at a 70 percent evaluation thereafter. The case was remanded for further examination.

The Board denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder with anxious distress.,Service connection was also denied for acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and sleep apnea, rendered him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment as of January 22, 2008. The effective date for the award of Total Disability Evaluation Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) is set at January 22, 2008.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and need for further development, including a new VA psychiatric examination. The Veteran's claims include service connection for PTSD and other acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and readjudication, including obtaining VA treatment records and copies of tax returns to accurately assess the Veteran's employment status.

Service connection for tinnitus is granted.,The Veteran's current rating for hepatitis C and lumbar osteoarthritis with IVDS are both at their maximum allowed levels, effective November 15, 2001 and August 11, 2015 respectively. The Veteran’s PTSD remains rated at the highest level of disability.,The Veteran's left ankle and knee disabilities have not been service-connected.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is being remanded due to the need to refer the case to the Director of Compensation Service for extraschedular consideration.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to June 8, 2014 for service connection of PTSD is denied. The case is remanded for a determination on the issue of entitlement to an initial disability rating in excess of 50 percent for service-connected PTSD.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for a 100% disability rating for PTSD, service connection for hypertension secondary to PTSD, and service connection for an irregular heartbeat secondary to PTSD are remanded due to insufficient evidence. The VA will seek additional medical records and conduct new examinations.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 70 percent disability rating throughout the period of the claim, and his TDIU issue is remanded for further action.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a TDIU, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted service connection, but his claims for an acquired psychiatric disability are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for residuals of fracture of the left malleolus has been denied. The issue of entitlement to a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities has been remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims of a rating in excess of 50 percent for hysterical neurosis conversion type, service connection for major depressive disorder, and service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder (claimed sleeping disorder) and migraine headaches due to inadequate previous VA opinions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for HIV, PTSD, and thoracolumbar spine condition due to insufficient medical opinions addressing pertinent evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at a 30 percent rating prior to September 9, 2010 and was increased to a 100 percent rating effective January 21, 2016. The Board granted an initial 70 percent rating for PTSD prior to February 11, 2016.,The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded as the issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) due to a service-connected disability has been raised.