PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's PTSD was found to cause occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks, warranting a 30 percent disability rating. The evidence did not support a higher rating.

The Board has ordered the Veteran to be scheduled for a VA examination in relation to his claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and anxiety disorder. The examination should consider all relevant medical evidence and determine if any diagnosed conditions are related to active service.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for chronic adjustment disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and major depression. The claim is remanded due to the need to obtain private medical records.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is caused or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD, including prescription medications taken for treatment of PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted with a rating of 50 percent, effective October 19, 2017. The ratings for diabetes mellitus type II and diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral feet remain denied.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has rendered him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment since June 25, 2012. The Board granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) effective from that date.

The Veteran's PTSD has been found to warrant a total disability rating of 100 percent throughout the appeal period. The claim for TDIU is dismissed as moot due to the grant of the total schedular rating.

The Board has dismissed the appeals of claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates for tinnitus. The reopened claims for service connection for hypertension, glaucoma of the right eye, and PTSD with substance abuse are remanded due to new evidence that may relate these conditions to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including posttraumatic stress disorder, coronary artery disease with myocardial infarction, frostbite injuries in each extremity, left elbow mild degenerative arthritis, right shoulder bursitis, tinnitus, hemorrhoids, and hypertension, have resulted in the need for aid and attendance due to functional limitations.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for sleep apnea and psychiatric disability to include PTSD has been remanded due to the need for additional evidence and medical opinions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, was denied. Service connection for kidney disease was granted. Other claims for increased ratings and compensable disability ratings were all denied.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and remanded the issue of service connection for TBI due to conflicting evidence regarding current diagnoses and a need for additional development.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's aortic valve replacement surgery in February 2013 is not due to his service-connected ischemic heart disease and thus, denied entitlement to a temporary total evaluation. The issues of ischemic heart disease, PTSD, and TDIU are remanded for further development.

The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's symptoms resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of PTSD has been reopened, and the Board grants this appeal. The issues of service connection for right ankle condition, right knee condition, left knee condition, back condition, sleep apnea, and numbness in both arms and the chest are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including an examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders. The issues are service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 70 percent rating, effective from the date of this decision. The Board also granted entitlement to TDIU based on his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal for a total disability based on individual unemployability.,The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for ischemic heart disease, diabetes, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to potential new evidence and further development is needed.,The claim for increased rating for degenerative disc disease of the thoracic and lumbar spine remains pending. A VA examination will be conducted to assess the current severity of the condition.,The claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease, diabetes, and an acquired psychiatric disorder are remanded due to potential new evidence from the Veteran's hearing and need further development.,A VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran has a diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorder. The examiner must also attempt to corroborate the Veteran’s reported stressors.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including completion of a VA Form 21-8940 to address his employment history and ability to work.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for ADHD and PTSD due to new evidence received since the prior denial.