PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is granted as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus. The right and left lower extremity diabetic neuropathies of the sciatic nerve are granted a disability rating of 40 percent each, while the right and left lower extremity diabetic neuropathies of the femoral nerves are granted separate disability ratings of 20 percent each.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, and the claim for an increased rating has been denied.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's claim was not reopened due to a lack of relevant new and material evidence. The decision also noted that because the onset of PTSD occurred during service, service connection was established but did not establish an earlier effective date.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted at a rating of 70 percent, but no higher. The right inguinal hernia and left index finger fracture are both denied as not compensable.

The claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is granted. The Veteran's current diagnosis of PTSD is found to be related to his military service and the Board finds that he meets the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have resulted in total social and occupational impairment, which constitutes a total disability rating. As the award of a rating of 100 percent for PTSD throughout the appeal period renders the issue of entitlement to a TDIU moot, the claim is dismissed.

The Veteran is granted an initial 70 percent disability rating for PTSD effective December 7, 2009. The claim for a higher rating for low back disability remains denied.

The Veteran's employment as a machinist laborer from 2002 to 2014 was considered substantially gainful employment, and he did not meet the criteria for an earlier effective date of TDIU prior to May 1, 2014.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted. The Board finds that the criteria for service connection have been met, as his PTSD is related to his in-service combat experiences. The Veteran's claim for secondary service connection for sleep apnea is remanded and requires further examination.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, and a TDIU is granted. The Board found the Veteran does not meet criteria for a higher rating due to his symptoms being less severe than those warranting a 100 percent rating.

The Board has granted service connection for generalized anxiety disorder (claimed as PTSD due to MST) and denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea. The Veteran's generalized anxiety disorder is related to in-service sexual assault, while her obstructive sleep apnea does not have a link to service.

The Veteran's claims for right ear hearing loss, tinnitus, and sleep apnea to include as secondary to PTSD are denied. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder including PTSD is granted but the issue of service connection for left ear hearing loss is remanded.

The Board has remanded the cases due to inadequate VA examinations and duty to assist errors.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea is denied, but his PTSD is granted an initial 70 percent rating.

The Veteran's appeal regarding her PTSD with alcohol use disorder is dismissed. An earlier effective date of November 26, 2018, but no earlier, is granted for the award of service connection for bilateral tinnitus.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding a stressor and for an addendum opinion on the etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD was denied. The Board found that the earliest possible effective date is September 13, 2004.

The Veteran's tinnitus and PTSD have been granted service connection, with a 50% rating for PTSD. The lumbosacral strain disability has been denied an increased rating.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD because the claimed in-service stressor was not verified and there was no credible supporting evidence of a physical assault or psychological injury during service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient reasons and bases in the previous decision. The appellant's PTSD claim is being reviewed again as new evidence suggests a possible diagnosis of PTSD, while his headaches claim is being reviewed in light of his TBI residuals.