PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a 70% evaluation, but his right knee disorder and TDIU claim are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50% effective from June 1, 2014. This rating reflects significant impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted at a 70 percent rating, effective from the date of this decision. Service connection for sinus allergy and gallbladder disorder are also granted. The Veteran's hernia claim is denied. A TDIU issue remains pending.

The Board has denied service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, a pain disorder (fibromyalgia and chronic pain syndrome), an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD, insomnia, adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood), and a skin disorder (idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis).,There is no evidence to support the presence of these conditions during service or due to any in-service event. The VA examiners concluded that none of the diagnoses met the criteria for PTSD, and the appellant's symptoms were not consistent with other diagnosed conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a 70 percent rating, but no higher, for the entire appeal period. A separate TDIU was also granted.

The Board denied an increased rating for PTSD and a compensable rating for migraine headaches, finding that the Veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria for higher ratings based on their severity.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU effective July 15, 2013. The issue of entitlement to a TDIU prior to this date remains pending.,The Veteran meets the schedular criteria for a TDIU since July 15, 2013.

The Board has remanded the issues of entitlement to a compensable rating for left ankle disability prior to October 25, 2016 and in excess of 10 percent thereafter. The reasons are unclear from the record regarding whether the Veteran experiences flare-ups and the extent of additional functional impairment during any such flare-ups.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for an addendum opinion regarding the nature and etiology of his acquired psychiatric disorder due to a lack of sufficient rationale in the May 2015 VA nexus opinion. The case will be further developed before being readjudicated.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and a psychiatric disability other than PTSD, finding that the claimed stressors were not supported by credible evidence and that any current psychiatric conditions are related to pre-service childhood trauma.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 60 percent for heart disability has been dismissed. The Board also remanded the issue of TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment, warranting a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for an effective date earlier than January 8, 2008, and a rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD with depressive symptoms prior to this date are remanded due to procedural issues. The Veteran was not given adequate time to appeal his claim as per VA regulations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, psychosis and psychosocial circumstance, is remanded due to the need for further development regarding his in-service stressors and specific dates of ACDUTRA/INACDUTRA. The Board also notes that a VA examination is necessary to determine if he has any current psychiatric disorders and whether they are related to service.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent from May 28, 2013. The TDIU claim for the period prior to February 26, 2014, is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's need for regular aid and attendance due to his TBI is established, warranting SMC at the (t) rate. The Veteran would require hospitalization, nursing home care, or other residential institutional care if not for the aid and attendance he receives.

The Veteran's appeal for a TDIU was dismissed. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD from September 10, 2013 to December 31, 2014.,For the period from January 1, 2015 to August 29, 2016, the Veteran was granted a 70 percent rating for PTSD. The Board found that this level of impairment met the criteria for a 70 percent rating.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board denied a higher rating as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has granted a TDIU for the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including migraine headaches and posttraumatic stress disorder. The evaluation for migraine headaches remains at 50 percent.

The Board has decided to remand the claim for service connection of acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, sleep disturbance, anger management, and adjustment disorder. The Veteran's low back and right shoulder disabilities may be related to his current acquired psychiatric disability.