PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted. Service connection is established for an acquired psychiatric disorder (depressive disorder and PTSD), a right ankle disability, and allergic rhinitis.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is denied. The left fifth metacarpal condition and PTSD are granted, but the initial increased ratings for these conditions are denied. Bilateral hearing loss, right inguinal hernia, and hip osteoarthritis claims are remanded.

The Veteran's claims of increased ratings for PTSD, scars, and service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD (to include ADHD) and a chronic headache disability are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of new evidence.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD prior to June 2, 2017 is denied. The Board also finds that the issue of TDIU has been raised and remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied in an August 2011 rating decision. The Board has now remanded the case to obtain additional evidence and conduct a VA examination.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and a rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus. The scar from coronary artery bypass grafting was also denied. Service connection for peripheral vascular disease is remanded, as well as the TDIU claim.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection claims for PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder. The VA is required to provide an examination or obtain a medical opinion in order to make a decision on these claims.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's death, and no jurisdiction remains for further action.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent from October 22, 2012. A TDIU is granted from the same date. SMC at the housebound rate is granted from February 17, 2016.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, MDD, anxiety and CAD, are found to be related to his service in Damascus, Syria. The Board granted the claim of service connection for these conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete information regarding the Veteran's in-service stressors and potential military sexual trauma. The Veteran will need further examination and verification of these events.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection of a right knee disability is granted. The Board finds that new and material evidence has been submitted, reopening the claim. Service connection for a left knee disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) are also remanded.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD is granted, and the issues of service connection for Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar I Disorder, and Adjustment Disorder are remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of PTSD, finding that there is no evidence of a current diagnosis of PTSD under DSM-V criteria.

An initial increased rating of 100 percent for service-connected PTSD is granted from November 14, 2006 to April 12, 2011. The issue of an increased rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD and the TDIU claim are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD but denied service connection for a lumbar spine disability. The Veteran's lumbar spine condition is not related to his active duty service, while he was diagnosed with PTSD during service and continues to have symptoms attributable to it.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection, temporary total disability rating for hospitalization, and TDIU due to additional development needed. Specifically, records from in-service mental health treatment are required, as well as personnel records regarding an Article 15 incident.

The Veteran's appeal pertaining to a higher rating for prostate cancer was withdrawn. For the entire appeal period, his PTSD is rated at 70 percent, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for an earlier effective date for PTSD service connection, but granted service connection for PTSD based on a reopened claim. The claims for gastrointestinal and gallbladder disorders due to Camp Lejeune exposure are remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, the highest available rating under the General Formula for Mental Disorders. The decision finds that his symptoms cause a level of impairment best described as deficiencies in most areas such as work and family relations.