PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for PTSD, TBI (secondary to PTSD), and residuals of a stroke under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 due to inextricably intertwined issues with the Veteran's service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and to obtain a medical opinion regarding the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depressive disorder, and substance use disorder, was at least as likely as not aggravated by in-service trauma. As a result, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and a need for further development, including obtaining updated VA and private treatment records and scheduling an examination to determine if any acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, is related to service.

The Veteran's appeals for an extraschedular rating for PTSD and a TDIU prior to August 18, 2008 have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent prior to October 21, 2016. The Board found that the symptoms more nearly approximated occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claims, particularly in relation to service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for a retrospective VA medical opinion regarding the level of occupational and social impairment caused by the Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder from December 1, 2008 (the date of claim) to October 1, 2009.

The Veteran's PTSD disability rating is denied for a higher than 30 percent prior to September 5, 2018 and from September 5, 2018. The Veteran's TDIU claim prior to September 5, 2018 is also denied.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for both the PTSD with major depressive disorder and GERD, resulting in their dismissal.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for low back disorder and acquired psychiatric disorder due to new evidence received since previous decisions. The Veteran's lay statements indicate he had ongoing symptoms after service.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms prior to April 12, 2016 caused occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. As of April 12, 2016, the Veteran's PTSD symptoms have caused total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has granted a 70% rating for PTSD effective from August 30, 2013. The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated as 70%, and the appeal for an increased rating remains pending. Additionally, the Board has remanded the claim for entitlement to a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a TDIU effective September 4, 2018.,Effective April 17, 2012, the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities have been rated at 10%.

The Veteran's dental condition and bilateral hearing loss are not service-connected due to lack of evidence. The Veteran’s PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board finds no basis for a higher rating.,Service connection for right fingers, left fingers, and left shoulder conditions (secondary to right shoulder) is remanded as there are issues with establishing these connections.

The Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, is rated at 70 percent for the entire appeal period. The Board also granted a TDIU but noted that further clarification of employment history was needed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and for TDIU due to service-connected disability. The Veteran needs a VA examination to assess his current severity of PTSD, and his claim for TDIU must be reconsidered by the RO.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and alcohol use disorder have been granted. Service connection is also established for a left knee condition.,However, the claim for bilateral hearing loss remains denied, and the claim for COPD and asthma requires further evaluation.

The Veteran's PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating, as they are currently rated at 50%.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of acquired psychiatric disorders, athlete's foot, appendectomy scar, and sialadenitis were all denied. The Veteran was granted initial compensable ratings (10%) for athlete's foot, appendectomy scar, and sialadenitis. His claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee residuals of lateral meniscectomy is being remanded.