PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's appeal for higher disability ratings for PTSD, rated as 50 percent prior to July 23, 2013, and 70 percent thereafter, is dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal for PTSD has been dismissed as the evidence does not support a current diagnosis of PTSD.,Hypertension and diabetes mellitus have final denial decisions, and new and material evidence was not received within one year of the November 2008 rating decision. The appeals are therefore dismissed.,The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy claims have been dismissed as there is no current diagnosis for any of these conditions during the appeal period.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for PTSD and granted it, based on new evidence showing a diagnosis of PTSD related to combat experiences in Vietnam.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD and a 70 percent rating was denied because the earliest possible effective date provided by law is March 17, 2015. The Board found that the private treatment records submitted after the effective date were not considered in determining the effective date.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for asthma, sleep apnea, and psychiatric disabilities (including PTSD and depression) due to a lack of recent VA examinations. The Veteran is required to provide updated treatment records and undergo VA examinations to assess these conditions.

The appeal for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremity, hypokalemia, an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as PTSD), and hypertension is denied. The appeal for service connection for hypokalemia was dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for Type II Diabetes Mellitus, an acquired psychiatric condition (including PTSD and depression), and a heart condition. The claims are remanded for further development including VA examinations to determine the nature of these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD claim is denied due to the lack of corroborated stressor. The acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, specifically depression, is granted as it was incurred during service.,Service connection for insomnia secondary to service-connected psychiatric disability (depression) is granted. Service connection for hypertension is remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, and he has been granted a TDIU. The appeal for an increased rating for PTSD was denied as the symptoms do not meet the criteria for a 100% disability rating.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to July 30, 2009, for the award of service connection for PTSD, a generalized anxiety disorder, a major depressive disorder, and alcohol abuse is denied. The issues of entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD, a generalized anxiety disorder, a major depressive disorder, and alcohol abuse, and entitlement to a total rating for compensation purposes based on individual unemployability due to service connected disabilities (TDIU) are remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has granted a 70 percent evaluation. The case is remanded for further examination to assess current severity of PTSD and for TDIU determination.

The Board has decided that additional development is needed before the claims on appeal can be fully considered. The Veteran's service records are incomplete, and VA needs to obtain his Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits decision and any medical records used in making this determination. Additionally, all outstanding VA medical records should be obtained.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, adjustment disorder with depressed mood, and major depressive disorder, is granted. The claims for diabetes mellitus, type II, and heart disability are remanded due to the need for further development regarding potential herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder is denied due to lack of verified stressors and insufficient medical evidence linking the conditions to service. The claim for a temporary total evaluation due to treatment for PTSD is also denied as there is no established service connection.

The Board has denied a disability rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD and has remanded the issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and TDIU.

The Board has remanded several issues, including the right eye condition and service connection for CFS, muscle aches and weakness (including fibromyalgia and Vitamin D deficiency), PTSD, IBS, weight loss, and migraines. The Veteran's GBS with Bell’s palsy is also being remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability of bilateral hearing loss, and therefore denied his claim. The claims for PTSD, low testosterone, low back condition, CFS, and GERD are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and other anxiety disorders, was denied as there is no evidence of a verified in-service stressor or DSM-5 diagnosis of PTSD.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, variably diagnosed as PTSD and GAD. The Veteran's symptoms are found to be related to his active service, with the diagnosis of PTSD being consistent with combat-related trauma.

The Board has remanded the case due to an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD.