PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Board has granted new and material evidence for service connection claims related to stomach problems, IBS, and a gastrointestinal disorder. However, the claims for throat disability and low back disability remain denied due to lack of chronicity or etiology. The psychiatric claim remains pending as there is no established diagnosis of PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, is etiologically related to his active service. Service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied due to lack of new and material evidence.,New and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claims of service connection for various conditions, including dysmenorrhea, gastrointestinal disorders, bilateral ankle disability, carpal tunnel syndrome, left knee strain, right knee strain, restless legs syndrome, HPV, infertility, gallbladder surgery, tremors and spasms to face and hands, itching, pain, and scars, and VA medical treatment.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU effective April 24, 2006 due to service-connected disabilities. The appeal is granted as the full benefit sought on appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and opioid dependence have prevented him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment, and his TDIU is granted effective September 30, 2014. The claim for bilateral hearing loss is remanded.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed due to the Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disorders and her claims for PTSD. The case will be remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's appeal for TDIU was dismissed. The initial evaluation of PTSD prior to April 21, 2014 is granted at 50 percent. The appeal for a rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD after April 21, 2014 is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination, including verifying a stressor related to the Veteran's service in Korea.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for posttraumatic stress disorder with panic disorder and agoraphobia is being remanded due to the possibility of additional relevant VA treatment records.

An initial 70 percent rating for PTSD is granted from March 25, 2013, to October 6, 2014.,A total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities is granted from May 8, 2013.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent disabling, which reflects occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. The Board found that the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as they did not result in total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran was granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities from August 3, 2009 to September 15, 2013. The TDIU is based on his PTSD and related psychiatric impairments.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD caused his duodenal ulcer, which led to his death. Therefore, the claim for service connection for the cause of death is granted.

The Board has granted a 100 percent rating for posttraumatic stress disorder since October 26, 2018. However, the issues of entitlement to a rating in excess of 70 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder prior to October 26, 2018 and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disorders are remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted an initial rating of 100 percent, the highest available, due to total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to assess his functional limitations caused by his service-connected disabilities, and their impact on his ability to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his service-connected PTSD was denied because he failed to appear at a scheduled VA examination without providing good cause.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for various conditions, including psoriasis, lumbar spine disability, left knee and right knee disabilities, sinusitis, and acquired psychiatric disorders. The Board found that the evidence did not support service connection due to lack of in-service injury or disease.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran’s left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve is currently rated at 10 percent. The Board finds that this rating adequately reflects his symptoms and does not warrant an increased rating.,The Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy of the femoral nerve is also rated at 10 percent, which is considered adequate based on the evidence provided.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service-connected due to evidence supporting a link between current symptoms and an in-service stressor, which occurred during military sexual trauma (MST).