PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a 70 percent rating since the initial grant of service connection, effective from March 23, 2011. The Board found that his symptoms meet the criteria for a 70 percent rating.

The Board has determined that the RO failed to issue an appropriate Statement of the Case (SOC) regarding several issues on appeal, including those related to PTSD. The case is being remanded for issuance of an SOC and to provide the Appellant with proper notice.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for a back disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD). The issues of service connection for other conditions are remanded due to lack of complete VA treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bruxism and TDIU was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes, and concluded that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone were insufficient to meet the criteria for a TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for further development regarding the Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is related to service and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of a VA examination addressing the service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran's lay statements suggest in-service events may have contributed to his current psychiatric condition.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for PTSD, finding that her condition is attributable to personal assaults she experienced during military service. The decision resolves all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, has been reopened. His claim is granted. The rating for his lumbar spine degenerative disc disease with IVDS in excess of 10 percent prior to August 14, 2018, and in excess of 20 percent thereafter is also granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining private medical records.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric condition, including PTSD, is granted a 70 percent rating for the entire appeal period. Service connection for low back disability and left lower extremity radiculopathy involving the sciatic nerve are also granted. TDIU is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, anxiety, and depression) and a compensable disability rating for fracture residuals of the right little finger. The decision found no current diagnosis of PTSD or other psychiatric disorders, and that the Veteran’s fractures did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of April 30, 1981 for the grant of service connection for PTSD. The issue of entitlement to an earlier effective date for DEA benefits under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35 is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition is being remanded due to insufficient medical evidence addressing the nature, etiology, and onset of his psychiatric conditions.

The Board has remanded the cases of hepatitis C, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including major depressive disorder and PTSD), and diabetes mellitus due to potential service connection issues. Specifically, it is unclear if the Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents while serving aboard the U.S.S. Fresno in Vietnam waters.

The appeal for the issues of service connection and increased evaluations is dismissed. The issue of TDIU remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD, left ankle condition, bilateral knee condition, lower back condition, and headaches is denied as there are no new or material evidence to reopen the claims. The current rating for PTSD already covers her anxiety and depression symptoms.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since January 12, 2006. The rating for CAD was increased to 30 percent effective September 13, 2019. The claim of entitlement to TDIU is dismissed.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate reasoning in the previous decision, specifically failing to address the Veteran's claim for a psychiatric disability secondary to his service-connected back disability.

The Board has decided that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for PTSD due to a verified in-service stressor. The claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD is remanded as there is insufficient evidence to determine if the condition had its onset during service or is otherwise etiologically related.