PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Board denied an earlier effective date for a TDIU due to service-connected PTSD because the evidence did not show that the Veteran was unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment prior to September 16, 2008.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD was denied as the pre-November 26, 2002 record did not show the Veteran met the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD.,The Veteran's claim for increased rating of PTSD from November 26, 2002 to November 20, 2007 was denied as his PTSD symptoms were not manifested by at least occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, but the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's low back disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's left knee disability is currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's hypogonadism with low testosterone is currently rated at zero percent, but the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy is currently rated at zero percent, and the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy is currently rated at zero percent, and the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's right foot disability is currently rated at zero percent, and the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, has been reopened. The case is remanded to determine the nature and etiology of any such condition, as well as whether it is related to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board dismissed the petition to reopen the claim for service connection for a left thumb disability. The petition to reopen the claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, was granted but denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, finding that there was no evidence of a chronic condition in-service and that any current disorders were more likely related to personal life circumstances post-service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, recurrent rash, and left knee condition due to additional development being necessary.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD is remanded due to incomplete records and the need for a thorough VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD with adjustment disorder, depression and anxiety prior to September 1, 2015 was rated at 70 percent disabling. The Board found that the symptoms did not warrant a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of memory lapse is dismissed. The Board has also remanded the issues regarding service connection for lumbar spine and acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, effective from August 21, 2014. The Board found that the Veteran's symptoms caused occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50% disability rating.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 70 percent disability rating, but the TDIU and prostate issues are remanded for further review.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted a rating of 70 percent, but no higher. The initial compensable rating for erectile dysfunction is denied. New and material evidence has been submitted to reopen claims for service connection for TBI, headaches, vertigo, sinusitis, bilateral hearing loss, rhinitis, right eye disorder, and left eye disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent from April 21, 2014 to September 21, 2009. The Board found that the severity of his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board has granted a TDIU based on his service-connected PTSD. The rating for PTSD remains unchanged.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his bipolar disorder with PTSD prior to March 4, 2016 remains in appellate status. The earlier effective date claims for TDIU and Chapter 35 DEA benefits are also remanded due to their connection to the increased evaluation claim.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a chronic skin condition and hypertension have been reopened, but the underlying claims are denied.,Service connection is granted for PTSD with anxiety disorder and depression prior to September 1, 2017, at a rating of 70 percent. The claim remains pending as it was not fully resolved.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination and need for further evaluation of the Veteran's psychiatric conditions, including PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left plantar fasciitis were denied. The claim for PTSD was granted with a 70% evaluation, effective from December 7, 2017.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for a retinal tear of the left eye and diabetes mellitus have been remanded due to new evidence suggesting worsening conditions. The appeal for PTSD has been withdrawn.