PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has rendered him unable to secure and maintain gainful employment, leading to a TDIU rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have an acquired psychiatric disability related to his active service, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD prior to December 30, 2015 resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. The Board found that the symptoms did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher initial rating.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for OSA, GERD, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and major depressive disorder) due to insufficient evidence regarding their onset during service or relationship to service.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied because he is currently employed in a full-time job. The pseudofolliculitis barbae rating appeal was remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased PTSD rating and TDIU due to incomplete record development, including missing VA treatment records. The Veteran contends a higher rating is warranted based on his current symptoms.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability evaluation based upon individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities prior to October 1, 2018, as his service-connected conditions did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased rating for PTSD and service connection for headaches, respiratory conditions, and permanent discoloration of the skin on neck area before a decision was made.

The appeal for PTSD was dismissed due to the appellant's death.

The claim of service connection for OSA is reopened due to new and material evidence. The issues of rating PTSD, service connection for COPD, and service connection for OSA are remanded.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for examinations to assess his PTSD and ischemic heart disease.

The Veteran's PTSD was initially rated at 30% prior to November 20, 2015. It was increased to 70% effective November 20, 2015. Effective February 12, 2018, the Veteran is granted a total rating of 100% for PTSD.

The Veteran's prostate cancer and diabetes mellitus, type II are granted service connection as due to herbicide agent exposure. The Board has remanded for further examination on the remaining issues.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol use disorder is rated at 70 percent since September 13, 2019. The appeal for higher ratings prior to that date and after it are denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board has denied a higher rating. The Veteran was granted TDIU based on his service-connected PTSD and left leg disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information regarding the Veteran's employability prior to January 30, 2007, related to his PTSD and depression. The VA examiner is asked to provide an opinion on whether the Veteran could be employed in non-sheltered work environments during this period.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection for PTSD was denied, and his rating for PTSD from December 15, 2006 was also denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical evidence to adjudicate the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran was not afforded a proper VA examination or medical opinion.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 100% effective May 9, 2016. The Veteran's tinnitus and left lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy are both rated at 10%. The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for his PTSD is granted.

The Board denied service connection for cervical spine disability, acquired psychiatric condition (including nervous condition and PTSD), hearing loss of the right ear, and lumbar spine disability. The evidence did not support a causal relationship between these conditions and active service.