PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service connected disability (TDIU). The VA must obtain all relevant treatment records, conduct further examinations, and adjudicate the TDIU claim.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD does not render him in need of regular aid and attendance, as his other disabilities (including a stroke) are the primary cause of his inability to perform daily activities.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for an initial compensable disability rating for TBI, service connection for headaches, and service connection for acquired psychiatric disability including major depressive disorder and PTSD. The Veteran needs a new examination to assess the current severity of his TBI and whether any headache or psychiatric disabilities are proximately caused by TBI.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and a need for further examination. The Veteran's conditions are presumed related to exposure at Camp Lejeune.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his in-service experiences and granting the benefit of doubt.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and unspecified depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran did not meet the diagnostic criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD and his current unspecified depressive disorder is not related to in-service events.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder were denied, while his claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 30 percent for tension headaches was granted. The Board found that new evidence did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claims, and that there is no nexus between the current psychiatric conditions and active service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for her service-connected PTSD is being remanded due to the inadequacy of the March 2014 VA examination report, which did not consider her prior medical history and found that her symptoms have not significantly changed since her last evaluation.

The Veteran's TBI residuals are rated at 40 percent, PTSD prior to August 13, 2015 is rated at 70 percent, and the effective dates for service connection of PFB and tinnitus have been granted. The right ear hearing loss disability remains non-compensable.

The Veteran's PTSD was shown to result in an inability to establish and maintain effective relationships from June 24, 2010, to November 13, 2012. The Board granted a rating of 70 percent for this period.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol use disorder is found to be related to his service in Vietnam, and the Board has granted service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to failure to appear for VA examinations. The Board will reschedule the exams and consider the issues.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied or not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence. The claim for PTSD was reopened, but the Board found no causal relationship between the current disability and active duty.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has ordered a remand to determine if his condition warrants an increased rating. Additionally, the TDIU claim is being held in abeyance due to its interdependence with the PTSD rating issue.

The Board has dismissed the claim of service connection for left ear hearing loss. The remaining issues on appeal have been remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD and associated symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating prior to November 17, 2015. The appeal is remanded due to issues related to service connection for TBI.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, the maximum schedular rating authorized under Diagnostic Code 9411.,Effective July 1, 2010, the Veteran’s actinic keratosis with status post basal and squamous cell carcinoma to include scarring on the left eyebrow/eyelid is rated at 30 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent from October 21, 2009 to September 8, 2014. His sinusitis remains at a maximum 50 percent rating. The Board granted TDIU for the period prior to the combined 100 percent evaluation.

The Board has remanded the claims for an increased initial rating for lumbosacral strain and service connection for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD due to outstanding VA examinations not being conducted.