PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety disorder, depressive disorder, adjustment disorder, and PTSD, is granted. Service connection for a respiratory/pulmonary disorder is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD does not render him in need of regular aid and attendance due to incapacity requiring care or assistance on a regular basis, as his medical evidence shows he can manage daily activities independently.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae, a psychiatric disorder (specifically PTSD), and sleep apnea due to potential service connection based on new evidence. The Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae is not compensable as it does not affect at least 5% of his entire body or exposed areas, and no systemic therapy is required.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD due to incomplete development of evidence, including lack of VA examination and potential Social Security Administration records. The Veteran will be provided with an opportunity to provide additional information regarding his in-service stressor(s) and undergo a VA examination.

The Board has remanded several service connection claims due to the need for additional medical clarification and examination. The Veteran's PTSD claim is remanded because of conflicting evidence regarding his reported stressors. His hypertension, hearing loss, peripheral neuropathy, sleep apnea, and GERD claims are also remanded as there are insufficient post-service records or medical opinions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) and TBI have been reopened, but further medical evaluation is needed to determine if these conditions are related to his military service.,The Veteran's claim for TDIU is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the service connection issues.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, the highest schedular rating available. The Board found that his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation of 70 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and CAD rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation since August 28, 2000. The Board granted an effective date of August 28, 2000 for the award of TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD rating and TDIU claim are both remanded for further development, including obtaining updated medical records and information about the Veteran's employment status.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding his exposure to chemicals and stressors during service. The Veteran is also required to undergo examinations for his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, effective since March 7, 2018. The Board found that the symptoms did not warrant a higher rating prior to this date.

The Veteran's PTSD claim is remanded due to the addition of relevant VA treatment records and a December 2019 PTSD VA examination without a waiver of AOJ consideration.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher schedular disability rating for PTSD is dismissed. The effective date prior to June 2, 2014 for the award of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disability (TDIU) is remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has denied an increased rating. The claim for TDIU was also denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension secondary to his service-connected PTSD and for entitlement to a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities. The evidence did not support finding that the hypertension was caused or aggravated by the PTSD, nor could it be linked to military service.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is aggravated by his PTSD with alcoholism, and he is granted service connection for this condition.,Throughout the appeal period, the Veteran’s service-connected disabilities have precluded him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for PTSD is denied as there was no pending claim prior to February 6, 2014, that could have resulted in the benefit awarded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination and opinion regarding service connection for PTSD. The Veteran's claim will be reviewed again with a new VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected TBI is rated as zero percent disabling, and the Board finds that there are no residuals of his TBI that warrant a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's in-service stressors and the relationship between his acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, and service. The VA will attempt to corroborate the Veteran's reported stressors and provide a VA examination to address these issues.