PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The appeal regarding bilateral hearing loss is dismissed. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) is granted with a rating of 30 percent, but no higher for scars status post injury to left axilla and left biceps.

The Veteran's PTSD with Depressive Disorder caused occupational and social impairment from August 1, 2016 through August 15, 2018. A higher 70 percent rating was granted for this period.

Service connection for sleep apnea has been granted, effective from the date service connection was established.,An earlier effective date of April 11, 2013, is denied for PTSD as it was received on that date. An effective date of April 23, 2007, is granted for a 50 percent evaluation for bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis and calcaneal spurs.,Service connection for type II diabetes mellitus (diabetes) is remanded to obtain relevant medical records.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and remanded the issue of a disability rating for lumbar spine residuals. The Veteran's claim for PTSD was not supported by medical evidence, leading to its denial.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD either contributed to or aggravated his GERD, which in turn contributed to his IPF and caused his death. Therefore, the claim for service connection for the cause of death is granted.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and PTSD, has been reopened. The Board also remanded the claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent for hypothyroidism, a rating in excess of 20 percent for a back disability, a rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee disability, and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for ischemic heart disease, posttraumatic stress disorder, stroke, headaches (secondary to a non-service-connected cervical spine disorder), and a cervical spine disorder due to incomplete development and lack of medical opinions addressing the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The Veteran was granted Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits effective September 29, 2017 based on his service-connected PTSD with mood disorder. The Board found that an earlier effective date is not warranted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and any other psychiatric disorder, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between his current conditions and his military service.

The Board has vacated its previous decisions and remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, entitlement to increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss, and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The claims are being remanded for further development including obtaining additional medical records and conducting examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities make him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, warranting a TDIU.

The Veteran's IBS, GERD, OSA, and Sleep-Wake Disorder are all granted. The Veteran is also awarded a compensable evaluation for his IBS. Service connection is established for bilateral ankle disability, knee pain, shin pain, foot swelling, and hand swelling due to Gulf War undiagnosed illness.

The Veteran's PTSD rating was restored to 70 percent, and he is granted a TDIU. The claims for service connection of advanced left metastasis kidney cancer, residuals of malaria, hypertension, and visual disturbances are withdrawn.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for a left knee disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder to include posttraumatic stress disorder due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran is granted a rating of 70 percent for an acquired psychiatric disorder (social phobia and PTSD) from May 29, 2013 to February 4, 2017.,The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for the same condition was denied as of February 4, 2017.,TDIU is granted from May 29, 2013 to May 21, 2015.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have not rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and his TDIU claim is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for vertigo, headache disorder, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to inadequate VA medical examination reports. New VA opinions are needed to adjudicate these claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to non-compliance with previous directives and insufficient verification of claimed stressors. The Veteran's claim for PTSD will be reconsidered after further efforts are made to verify the reported incidents.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a missed VA examination for PTSD. The Veteran's claim will be reviewed again with a new examination.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent effective November 20, 2015. The Board found that the symptoms of his PTSD meet the criteria for a 70 percent rating.