PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Board has dismissed the appeals for a higher disability rating for PTSD and TDIU due to the appellant's death.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal regarding the disability rating for his PTSD, and the claim is dismissed.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD was granted a 50 percent rating from March 25, 2010 to March 30, 2011. The claim for a higher rating beyond this period is denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed PTSD and his participation in a downed aircraft recovery mission during service. The Veteran will need further VA examination and development of records.

The Veteran's PTSD and tinnitus, which resulted from combat exposure, meet the schedular requirements for a TDIU as of June 28, 2007. The effective date is set at this date due to the common etiology between these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed stressors and for a new VA examination to determine if he has an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, related to his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD rating was previously increased to 70 percent, but then reduced. The Board has now remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and private medical records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, PTSD, and abdomen GSW scars have all been denied. The Board found that there was no evidence of a current disability in any of these conditions, or sufficient medical opinion linking them to service.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder has been rated at 70 percent since November 12, 2019. Prior to that date, the rating was increased from 50 percent.

The Board has found that there has not been substantial compliance with the development sought as part of the February 2019 remand. The claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, vertigo, and increased evaluation for service-connected bilateral hearing loss are being remanded due to lack of adequate examinations.

The claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is reopened and remanded. The claims for TDIU and SMC based on the need for aid and attendance or housebound status are also remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with alcohol use disorder is of such severity to preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and experience as of May 27, 2011. The Board granted a TDIU effective May 27, 2011.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that a current diagnosis of PTSD is related to an in-service stressor.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain updated VA and/or private treatment records, schedule the Veteran for an appropriate VA examination(s) to determine his need for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance or on being housebound due to his service-connected disabilities, and address whether he meets the criteria for special monthly compensation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted. The appeal is also remanded for a new VA examination to determine the current severity of his CAD, and for readjudication of his TDIU claim.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, finding that the Veteran's current symptoms are attributable to alcohol and cannabis use disorders, which preclude service connection.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection for a low back disorder and an evaluation in excess of 70 percent for PTSD prior to June 4, 2019.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD, finding that the evidence is in relative equipoise regarding whether the sleep apnea was aggravated by the PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent for the entire initial rating period, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's GERD may be related to her service-connected PTSD, but more evidence is needed to determine if this relationship exists and whether it constitutes aggravation beyond its natural progression.