PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including Major Depressive Disorder, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Degenerative Disc Disease with associated bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, and Diabetes, rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board granted the TDIU based on this finding.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension, an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed PTSD), and a back disorder. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to service or service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, a skin disorder of the left forehead and lower jawline, and a heart disorder. The Board found no current diagnosis of PTSD or any other psychiatric disorders in the record. For the skin disorder, the VA examiner determined it was not related to herbicide exposure. For the heart disorder, the VA examiner found cardiomyopathy but did not find ischemic heart disease.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted with a 70 percent disability rating, effective May 19, 2017. The condition causes significant occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating higher than 30 percent for service-connected PTSD is being remanded due to the need to obtain outstanding treatment records from the Lakewood Vet Center.

The Veteran's initial ratings for TBI and associated headaches are being remanded due to the need for further examination regarding memory impairment.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating of PTSD, alcoholism, and TDIU. The AOJ is instructed to obtain SSA records and any additional medical records before proceeding with these matters.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than November 23, 2010, for the grant of service connection for PTSD is denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not attempt to file a claim prior to this date and therefore, November 23, 2010 is the earliest possible effective date available.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and anxiety, is related to service. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has been granted a higher rating of 70%.

The Veteran's claims for tinnitus, right middle finger scar, psychiatric disability (to include PTSD), bilateral hearing loss, bilateral plantar fasciitis, right thumb disability, and right shoulder disability are all remanded due to insufficient evidence or need for further examination.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation from March 17, 2017, to October 29, 2018. The Board has granted entitlement to TDIU for this period. For the initial evaluation issue, the case is remanded as additional medical records are needed and a new examination may be required.

The Veteran's posttraumatic stress disorder was not manifested by more than occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity between December 3, 2012 and August 31, 2016, and from November 1, 2016 to November 30, 2017.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination, including for psychiatric, hearing loss, and coronary artery disease evaluations. The Veteran's claims for increased ratings are also being remanded.

The Board denied the Appellant's claims for earlier effective dates prior to July 18, 2014 for the awards of Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) and Dependents' Education Assistance (DEA). The Board found that the Veteran’s last employment was not in a protected or sheltered environment.

The appeal for service connection of migraines, sleep apnea, and PTSD is dismissed due to the appellant's death.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a nervous condition was reopened. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, anxiety and PTSD, has been reopened. The Board has ordered the VA to attempt to verify the Veteran's in-service stressors and schedule him for a VA examination if they are corroborated.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, increased ratings for left foot and hand disabilities, and TDIU due to unresolved issues related to medical opinions and examination findings.

The appeals for service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder and headaches have been dismissed due to the Veteran's death.