PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Board has granted an initial disability rating of 70 percent for the Veteran's PTSD, finding that his symptoms result in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for PTSD was denied as he did not provide a specific allegation of clear and unmistakable error, nor did he comply with the requirements of 38 C.F.R. § 3.157(b)(1).

The Veteran's PTSD prior to October 3, 2014 was rated at 50 percent. The Board granted a higher rating of 70 percent based on the severity and impact of his symptoms.

The Veteran's appeal includes a request for an increased rating for right patellofemoral syndrome and a request for an earlier effective date for service connection. The Board has determined that the issues are remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding medical questions and a need for further examination. The Veteran's service-connected hearing loss disability may have aggravated his acquired psychological disabilities, including PTSD and anxiety.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation throughout the period on appeal. The Board has granted entitlement to TDIU.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is granted service connection, and a separate 10 percent rating for residuals of his right knee meniscectomy is granted. The Veteran's claim for higher ratings on his right knee patellofemoral syndrome remains denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating due to their severity and frequency.

The Veteran's appeal has been remanded for additional examinations and evaluations to determine the current severity of his PTSD and anatomical loss of the right eye. The issues of entitlement to a rating in excess of 50 percent for both conditions are being addressed.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD was denied as there is no evidence of a prior claim or intent to file a claim before April 2, 2014.

The Board granted an initial 70 percent disability rating for PTSD prior to November 13, 2014 and also granted entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to PTSD prior to that date.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date of December 28, 1993, for service connection of major depressive disorder and PTSD is granted. The appeal for a rating in excess of 70 percent for the acquired psychiatric disorder is dismissed.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's cause of death is not service-connected, and they have ordered additional medical records to be obtained. They also requested an expert opinion on whether the Veteran’s PTSD contributed to his death.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, effective February 23, 2017.,The Veteran is also granted TDIU based on her service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have worsened, leading to the Board's decision to remand for further evaluation of his condition and rating.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance is remanded due to incomplete information in his VA Form 21-2680 examination. The case requires a new examination to determine if he needs regular aid and assistance from another person due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to November 15, 2016, for the grants of service connection for PTSD, IBS, bilateral shoulder disability, neck disability, and tinnitus.

The Veteran's appeal for TDIU benefits is dismissed as moot because the RO has already granted a full grant of the benefits sought, including a TDIU and a 100% schedular rating for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent for the entire appeal period, with occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD in March 2009, and the Veteran did not appeal. The claim to reopen was denied as there is no new and material evidence.,Service connection for bipolar disorder with a depressed episode has been granted due to aggravation by service.