PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including back pain, scoliosis, cervical spine arthritis, left arm lateral epicondylitis, knee bursitis, leg and hip conditions, restless leg syndrome, nosebleeds, gastrointestinal issues, headaches, dizziness, foot arthritis, bunions, osteoporosis, hypertension, heart condition, insomnia, sleep apnea, myofascial pain syndrome, eye pain/dryness, gynecological condition (uterine cysts/fibroids), breast cancer, depression secondary to breast cancer, jaw/teeth pain, and PTSD. The Board found no evidence of service connection for any of these conditions.

The Veteran's service connection claims for a personality disorder, acquired psychiatric disorders other than PTSD, asthma, hypertension, systemic lupus, migraine headaches, and right ankle disability are all denied.,Service connection is granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD due to military sexual trauma (MST).

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration of newly submitted evidence.

The Board has dismissed the appeal of the claim for an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD as the appellant's attorney withdrew the appeal during a hearing.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms were found to be more nearly approximating occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent initial rating from August 17, 2010 through January 3, 2013. The appeal for higher ratings beyond this period was denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence of a verified in-service stressor for PTSD, but has found that the Veteran's current diagnoses of depressive disorder and anxiety are related to service.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD has been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has precluded him from securing and following any substantially gainful occupation since January 22, 2015. The Board granted a TDIU based on the PTSD disability. Additionally, the Veteran is entitled to SMC at the housebound rate due to his combined 100 percent schedular rating for service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis is linked to his military service and resolving reasonable doubt in his favor.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD began during active service and is related to an in-service stressor, thus granting service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the ratings for PTSD prior to October 2, 2017, and after that date. The Board dismissed the appeal due to the withdrawal.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent for the entire period on appeal, and he is granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD and panic disorder have been granted service connection, but the VA is remanding to determine if a higher initial rating of 70 percent or more is warranted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been reopened, but the issue of whether his current psychiatric disabilities are related to service remains pending and requires further examination.

The Board has restored the Veteran's PTSD rating to 100 percent, but has remanded for an addendum opinion regarding his sleep apnea claim.

The Veteran's PTSD with Adjustment Disorder Unspecified is currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted due to his symptoms not meeting criteria for total occupational and social impairment. The Veteran was granted TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent disabling, and the Board has remanded both his claim for an increased rating and his TDIU claim due to concerns about the adequacy of a previous examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA psychiatric examination to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and depression, are related to service.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted a 70 percent disability evaluation, and his scars are each granted a 10 percent disability evaluation. The application to reopen claims for service connection for various joints and hips is granted.

The Board has dismissed the claim for hospital and medical treatment for a mental disorder, as the Veteran's service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD was granted in November 2019.