PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and remanded the case to obtain updated VA treatment records and a VA examination. The Veteran is also entitled to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, but his cervical spine disability remains denied.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including PTSD and multiple physical disabilities, meet the schedular criteria for a TDIU. However, due to his employment during part of the appellate period, further evidence is needed to determine if his employment constitutes 'substantially gainful employment' or 'marginal employment'.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable rating for allergic rhinitis, service connection for asthma, and service connection for PTSD is remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's claims for initial compensable disability ratings for service-connected bilateral hearing loss and PTSD, as well as his claim for service connection for hypertension secondary to PTSD, are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examinations.

The Veteran's current diagnosis of PTSD is caused by in-service military sexual trauma (MST). The Board has granted service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, which meets the criteria for TDIU. The Board found that his service-connected disabilities alone are sufficient to produce unemployability.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD and anxiety has been dismissed due to his request for withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) is not service-connected.,His erectile dysfunction and chest pain are not service-connected.

The Board has found no evidence linking the Veteran's migraine headaches or PTSD to her military service, and thus denied both claims. The case is being remanded for further development regarding PTSD due to MST.

The Board has remanded the case due to additional development being necessary, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and adjudicating the broadened issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability.

The Board denied a 100 percent rating for Major Depressive Disorder with PTSD prior to July 1, 2011, finding that the Veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria for a 100 percent rating under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.

The Board has remanded four issues related to service connection: an acquired psychiatric disorder, irritable colon syndrome, IVDS, and sciatic neuropathy of the right lower extremity. The Veteran's claims for PTSD and MDD are based on private evaluations finding that he meets DSM-5 criteria for PTSD. For gastrointestinal and low back disorders, VA examinations are needed to determine if they are related to service. Regarding sciatic neuropathy, a medical opinion is required if IVDS is established.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues related to his service-connected conditions, including PTSD, headaches, back condition, nose condition, bilateral hearing loss, patellofemoral syndrome with hyperextension injury and suspected ACL involvement of the right knee, patellofemoral syndrome of the left knee, tinnitus, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and residuals of a right shoulder injury. The Board has determined that further development is needed for these issues.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and improper discounting of the Veteran's credibility regarding his in-service stressors. A new VA examination is required.

The Veteran's service connection for PTSD was granted with a 70% rating effective May 9, 2014. His TDIU claim on an extraschedular basis prior to this date was denied.

The Board dismissed the appeal for service connection of tinnitus. The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol remission was granted an initial rating of 70 percent, effective July 12, 2011, and a TDIU was also granted.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms are manifested throughout the entire appeal period by occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. An initial evaluation of 50 percent for PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's initial rating for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis is denied as it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The ratings for bilateral hearing loss, acquired psychiatric disorder, and right knee disorder are also denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further examination and medical opinions regarding his service connection claims for PTSD, bilateral hand tremors, lumbar spine disabilities, and cervical spine disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol abuse/dependence was rated at a maximum of 70 percent prior to December 6, 2012.