PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent prior to March 22, 2010 and increased to 70 percent from March 22, 2010 to July 17, 2018. The appeal is denied as the evidence does not show total occupational and social impairment.,The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent prior to March 22, 2010 and increased to 70 percent from March 22, 2010 to July 17, 2018. The appeal is denied as the evidence does not show total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for PTSD with Major Depressive Disorder was denied. A 70% rating is granted beginning December 22, 2015. The TDIU claim is dismissed as moot due to the Veteran already receiving special monthly compensation based on his IBS.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and the issues are now moot.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since March 29, 2013. The rating is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD remains rated at 70 percent, which is less than the maximum available benefits. The Board denied a higher rating as his symptoms have not more closely approximated total occupational and social impairment.

A 100 percent schedular rating for PTSD is granted for the entire period on appeal prior to January 17, 2019.,The appeal with respect to entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disability (TDIU) is dismissed.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and depression, is granted as service-connected due to the reasonable doubt in his favor being resolved in his favor.

The Board has remanded the issues of hypertension, migraine headaches, and sleep apnea for further development.

The Board has remanded several issues including the initial rating for PTSD, low back disability, erectile dysfunction, and diverticulitis. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Veteran's posttraumatic stress disorder with depression is granted as incurred in service. Service connection for left and right hip disorders, and bilateral hearing loss are denied.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was granted with an effective date of December 16, 2016. The CAD claim has been reopened due to new and material evidence received since the September 2013 rating decision. The low back condition is denied as not related to service. The CAD, diverticulosis, and GERD claims are remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities meet the schedular criteria for a TDIU, but he is not rendered unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation solely as a result of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease and an initial disability rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD. The evidence did not support a current diagnosis of either condition, nor was there sufficient evidence to establish service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of PTSD is granted, and the case is remanded for a VA examination to determine the current level of severity of his cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further action regarding his claim of service connection for eczema due to herbicide agent exposure. The remaining issues are related to the increased ratings and new disability rating for PTSD.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder, finding that his symptoms are at least as likely as not related to his active duty service. The decision is based on the presumption of combat-related service connection due to the Veteran's receipt of the Combat Action Ribbon.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for PTSD, right knee disability, and TDIU due to incomplete procedures in issuing a statement of the case (SOC) and unclear values reported by the VA examiner regarding the Veteran's right knee extension.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder, is granted as service connected. Headaches and bilateral hearing loss are denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is being remanded for a new examination to assess the current severity of his condition, as he claims it has worsened since his last VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD prior to November 16, 2017 was rated at 30 percent and denied an increased rating. From November 16, 2017, the Veteran is granted a 50 percent rating for PTSD.