PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's PTSD prevented him from initiating or completing his chosen program of education prior to November 24, 2017. The case is now on hold for further development and a retrospective medical opinion.

The Veteran's PTSD/unspecified trauma related disorder is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted. The claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities was also denied.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple service connection claims for various conditions, including coronary artery disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, liver disease, hepatitis C, skin cancer, neuropathy, residuals of shrapnel wounds to the back, buttocks, and legs, an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD), and a lumbar spine disability. The appeal is currently remanded for further development.,The Veteran's appendectomy scar was rated as 10 percent disabling under Diagnostic Code 7804 due to pain but not instability.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a 100 percent rating for the entire period on appeal, with occupational and social impairment more closely approximating total.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for PTSD and anxiety disorder due to a lack of evidence supporting these claims. The Veteran is required to provide sufficient information to verify his alleged stressors, and VA will attempt to obtain relevant records from appropriate custodians.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions and treatment records. The issues include right knee, left knee, rash of the entire body, ingrown toenails, indigestion, bilateral pes planus, acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and depression), pseudofolliculitis barbae, and right shoulder disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70% and not higher, as it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,Prior to September 17, 2020, the residuals of prostate cancer are rated at 40%, which is the maximum available under current regulations. After this date, they are rated at 60%. The Veteran's condition has improved such that he no longer requires an appliance or absorbent materials more than four times per day.,On and after September 17, 2020, a 60% evaluation for residuals of prostate cancer is granted.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD as the claimed stressors were not consistent with the Veteran's service and there was no evidence of combat or in-country Vietnam service.

The Veteran's PTSD prior to December 6, 2017 was rated at 50 percent disabling and did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's TDIU claim due solely to service-connected PTSD prior to December 6, 2017 was also denied.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical degenerative joint disease but remanded the issue of service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to inadequate opinions and missing informed consent records. The issues include compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151, service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than depressive disorder (PTSD, unspecified anxiety disorder), a rating in excess of 30 percent for dyschezia with abnormal anal sphincter relaxation, and TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since July 15, 2009. He also received a TDIU effective from January 1, 2014.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity prior to July 5, 2018.,PTSD did not result in total occupational and social impairment during the period beginning July 5, 2018.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a right shoulder disability are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions.

The Veteran's PTSD with cognitive disorder is rated at 50 percent, effective September 8, 2010. The Board denied a rating in excess of 50 percent from May 19, 2017.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional examination and analysis regarding whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, preexisted service or was aggravated by service.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective April 1, 2011. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted. The Veteran's sleep apnea remains in excess of 50 percent.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder, increased rating for PTSD, and TDIU due to service-connected disability. The Veteran's symptoms have been evaluated as causing occupational and social impairment but not total impairment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been granted, and the initial compensable disability rating for bulimia nervosa has been denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, excluding PTSD, as there is no current diagnosis of bipolar disorder or chronic depression. The preponderance of evidence does not support these conditions.