PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation for PTSD and TDIU is being remanded due to the need for a new examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to non-compliance with previous directives, specifically regarding obtaining private medical records from several Tuscaloosa providers.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea and a psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations. The decision on whether service connection can be granted will depend on the outcome of these examinations.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD and Chronic Kidney Disease have been granted. The Board found that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran has a current diagnosis of PTSD related to his military service, and also found that there is an equal balance of positive and negative evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's chronic kidney disease and his active duty service.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD with depression, finding a relative equal balance of evidence for and against the claim. The Veteran's reports of traumatic events in service are credible, and his current diagnoses align with these stressors.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's reported stressor is consistent with his service and there is no clear and convincing evidence to the contrary. The Veteran's current symptoms are linked to this in-service stressor.

The Board has decided that a new VA examination is needed due to the presence of various psychiatric diagnoses and their potential resolution during the appeal period. The Veteran's service connection claim for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and MDD, will be remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for a temporary total rating due to hospitalization and TDIU was denied as her service-connected conditions did not meet the criteria for these ratings.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, the maximum schedular rating.,Bilateral hearing loss was initially rated as noncompensable prior to July 31, 2019 and subsequently increased to 30 percent since that date.,Tinnitus has a current rating of 10 percent.,Diabetes mellitus type II is currently rated at 10 percent.,The Veteran's left thigh scar does not meet the criteria for an initial compensable disability rating.,Issues related to PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, diabetes, and the left thigh scar are being remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a 70 percent rating since September 3, 2010.,Service connection for seizure disorder due to PTSD is also granted.

The Veteran's PTSD with panic disorder and major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, but no higher. The appeal for a TDIU has been remanded due to the need for further development regarding employment status.

The Board has granted service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as the Veteran experienced and witnessed events involving actual or threatened death or serious injury during his service in Vietnam, which is considered combat exposure. The Veteran's PTSD diagnosis is supported by medical evidence from VA and a private psychologist.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, but the Board has not yet determined whether they are granted. The right ankle disability claim is remanded for further development and examination.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD does not prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 70 percent disability rating prior to October 13, 2018. A higher rating over 70 percent for PTSD was denied throughout the appeal period. The Veteran also received a TDIU rating prior to August 11, 2009.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a 70 percent rating, but not higher. The decision is based on the severity of symptoms that have resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's PTSD is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected condition.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have most nearly approximated occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a 70 percent rating for the entire period on appeal. However, total occupational and social impairment has not been demonstrated.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for TDIU, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing and following gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings have been dismissed as he has indicated satisfaction with his TDIU rating and the grant of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).