PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, results in mild or transient symptoms that decrease work efficiency and ability to perform occupational tasks only during periods of occasional stress. The Board finds the severity, frequency, and duration of his symptoms more closely approximate a 10 percent rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and other specified trauma and stressor-related disorder, is at least as likely as not related to events in service. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, sleep apnea, hypertension, and a psychiatric disorder (claimed as depression) have been granted. The claim for PTSD was denied.

The Veteran's request to restore a 20 percent rating for his right foot scars is granted. The issue of service connection for PTSD is remanded due to the need for further development.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of 70 percent for chronic PTSD prior to October 29, 2019 was granted. However, the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for chronic PTSD is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is not rated higher than 70 percent, and his TDIU due to PTSD is granted. The residuals of left foot fracture are found to be secondary to PTSD, but the claim for service connection remains pending.

The Veteran's hypertension is rated at 10 percent, but no higher. The initial rating for service-connected lumbar strain has been granted at 40 percent from April 24, 2019.,Service connection was denied for erectile dysfunction, hiatal hernia/GERD, headaches, PTSD, joint problems, fatigue/shortness of breath, and TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, the highest available rating, and no higher.,The Veteran is granted TDIU based on her service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss, a spine condition, an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as PTSD), and restoration of his 60% disability rating for hyperparathyroidism due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a rating of 70 percent effective June 2, 2015. The condition is characterized by occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 70 percent evaluation for PTSD is granted, and his claim for an earlier effective date for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is also granted. The effective dates are September 6, 2015.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100% rating.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, anxiety disorder, mood disorder, and depression, are granted as service connected. Bilateral hearing loss is also granted as aggravated by military service.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was denied due to lack of a current diagnosis, while her anxiety condition with insomnia was granted as service connected.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, thoracolumbar compression fracture, hypertension, and acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and generalized anxiety disorder) are all granted service connection. Secondary service connection is also granted for COPD, grand mal seizure disorder, osteoporosis, vertigo, and obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to his acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD was more severe than reflected by the 50 percent rating for the period from July 9, 2004, to July 24, 2010. A 70 percent disability rating is assigned for this period.

The Board has granted an effective date of February 11, 2009 for the awards of a TDIU and DEA benefits. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment since at least February 11, 2009.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate medical opinion regarding the cause of the Veteran's death and whether his service-connected conditions contributed to it. The VA will obtain additional opinions on these issues.

The Veteran's appeal for PTSD was withdrawn, and his claim for an initial rating of 70 percent for MDD is granted.,His MDD is currently rated at 70 percent due to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board has granted the request to reopen a claim for service connection for a back condition and has remanded both the issue of reopening the claim and the issue of increasing the rating for PTSD.