PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The reduction of the disability rating for the Veteran’s PTSD with alcohol use disorder from 100 percent to 50 percent, effective February 1, 2019, was proper.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at a 50% for the period from April 15, 2013 to January 8, 2017. From January 9, 2017, to May 19, 2019, he received a 70% rating.

The Veteran's request to reopen his previously denied claims for right knee disorder, coronary artery disease, and PTSD were not granted. The effective date for service connection of coronary artery disease was denied as it was received within one year of the Veteran's separation from active duty. The Veteran's claim for hypertension is remanded due to lack of evidence supporting a direct link to his military service.

The Veteran's service was not considered qualifying for VA non-service-connected disability pension benefits due to his discharge from active duty before the required 90 days, and he did not have a service-connected disability at the time of discharge. His claims for other conditions were denied.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and GAD do not prevent him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment, as his symptoms are adequately compensated at the currently assigned levels.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for further development and examination, including corroboration of the Veteran's reported stressor involving sexual assault in service.

The Board has found that additional development is needed before the claims can be adjudicated on the merits. The RO must attempt to obtain VA treatment records from Overton Brooks VA Medical Center and private medical providers, including Dr. M. Dhawan in Shreveport, Louisiana.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for PTSD and migraine headaches due to outstanding VA treatment records from two healthcare systems. The Veteran is seeking higher ratings for these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70% since September 20, 2013. The Board has granted a higher rating for PTSD to 70%. Service connection for lower back problems and TDIU are remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability, bilateral hip disability, and acquired psychiatric disability (PTSD), finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to her service-connected knee disabilities or any other service events. The Board also found insufficient evidence of an in-service personal assault leading to PTSD.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection for a sleep disorder, an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus, and an effective date earlier than September 18, 2017, for the grant of service connection for tinnitus. The remaining issues have been remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need to develop evidence regarding in-service stressors and to obtain an opinion on whether any diagnosed conditions are related to service. The claim for eligibility for treatment purposes remains denied as there was no wartime service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right shoulder conditions, neck condition, automobile adaptive equipment or adaptive equipment only, and an earlier effective date for PTSD are remanded. The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted with an effective date of February 14, 2018.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 100 percent, effective March 3, 2011. The claim for TDIU was denied as the Veteran already has a 100 percent rating for PTSD.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for sleep apnea and hypertension have been dismissed.,The Veteran's appeals for a rating in excess of 30 percent from June 15, 2015, for chronic tension headaches and an initial rating in excess of 70 percent from June 15, 2015, for PTSD have also been dismissed.

The Board has granted a 70 percent rating for PTSD prior to April 1, 2016, based on the Veteran's symptoms including disturbances of motivation and mood; difficulty in establishing and maintaining effective relationships; difficulty adapting to stressful circumstances; suicidal ideation; near-continuous panic or depression affecting the ability to function independently, appropriately and effectively; and impaired impulse control. The decision represents a full grant of the benefit sought.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a 100% disability rating for the entire appeal period, with total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for a low back disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD and depression due to insufficient medical opinions. The case of service connection for a skin condition (chloracne, rash, allergic/contact dermatitis) is reopened.

The Veteran is in need of regular aid and attendance due to service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder, which affects his ability to prepare meals, keep himself clean, and remember to take medications. The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise regarding whether he needs regular aid and attendance.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for TDIU prior to August 26, 2013, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.