PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral leg disability (to include arthritis) is remanded as the nature and etiology of this condition must be determined.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD and bipolar) is remanded as new evidence has been submitted that may support his claim on the merits.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is remanded as the nature and etiology of this condition must be determined.

The Veteran's petition to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD is allowed. The appeal is granted to that extent only, and the issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD is remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, the lowest of the four disability ratings available under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders. The Board found that his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as he did not exhibit occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, sleep apnea, and a right knee disability have been reopened. However, the preponderance of evidence does not support these claims.,Service connection was denied for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) due to lack of in-service diagnosis or treatment.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities required the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, leading to a grant of special monthly compensation at the aid and attendance rate.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and PTSD, as well as increased ratings for right foot plantar fasciitis and low back disorder, were granted effective April 24, 2017.,However, the effective dates for these grants are not earlier than April 24, 2017.

The Board has granted a 50 percent disability rating for service-connected PTSD prior to January 21, 2011, finding that the Veteran's symptoms most closely approximated those required for a 50 percent rating.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including posttraumatic stress disorder, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for TBI, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disability including PTSD and antisocial personality disorder. The Board found no credible evidence of a current diagnosis of these conditions within the appellate period.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent from December 9, 2011, to July 19, 2017. The rating for PTSD was increased to 70 percent from July 19, 2017, to August 20, 2019. A higher rating of greater than 70 percent is denied.

The Veteran's application to reopen his service connection claims for headaches, lumbar spine disability, cervical spine (neck) disability, right knee disability, and left knee disability is granted. The claim for hypertension remains pending.

The Veteran's dry eye syndrome is granted with a 20 percent rating, and the maximum schedular evaluation for tinnitus is denied. Other claims are either denied or remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, left leg and right leg disorders due to insufficient evidence of an in-service stressor for PTSD. The issues regarding the service-connected disabilities are also being remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for seizure disorder, PTSD, and closed head injury with cerebral contusion with post-traumatic headaches have been denied. The effective dates for these grants of service connection are not applicable as the earliest date is February 10, 2012.

The Veteran's service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, due to herbicide exposure is granted.,The reduction in the PTSD rating from 70% to 50%, effective September 1, 2016, is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his service in Vietnam and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy, migraines, PTSD, and bilateral hearing loss have been denied as the evidence does not establish a direct link to his military service.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are remanded due to insufficient examination reports and the need for further medical opinions.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for TBI residuals is granted. The claims for earlier effective dates for increased ratings for nephrolithiasis and PTSD are denied.

The Veteran's claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and anxiety, is denied as there is no current diagnosis of such conditions.