PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

Service connection for a low back disorder and headaches secondary to PTSD has been granted. Service connection for TMJ disorder was reopened, but not granted.,A disability rating of 70 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is in effect.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence from the June 2017 VA examination, which did not provide a clear distinction between legitimate and exaggerated symptoms of PTSD. The Veteran's reports of suicidal ideation are also unclear.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted a 100 percent rating, indicating total occupational and social impairment.,The Veteran's RLS is granted a 30 percent rating, reflecting severe functional impairment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD does not warrant a rating in excess of 50 percent prior to July 29, 2020, and in excess of 70 percent thereafter. The evidence did not more nearly reflect occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas due to the severity, frequency, and duration of psychiatric symptoms.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD, a right knee condition, a back condition, and a right ankle condition has been granted. The appeal to reopen the PTSD claim is also granted. Service connection is established for PTSD based on personal assault allegations. The appeals for the right knee, back, and right ankle conditions are remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent prior to February 24, 2020. This rating reflects the severity of symptoms such as depressed mood, anxiety, and difficulty in maintaining social relationships.

The Veteran's TDIU and SMC awards are granted with an effective date of September 30, 2015.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 100% effective October 13, 2018.,TDIU was granted prior to October 13, 2018, but denied from that date onwards.

The Board has granted service connection for erectile dysfunction as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes. The TDIU rating is also granted based on the severity of his multiple service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted. The issue of service connection for a psychiatric disorder, claimed as PTSD with anxiety disorder, is remanded.

The Board has denied service connection for PTSD due to lack of a current diagnosis. The case is remanded for further evaluation regarding the Veteran's adjustment disorder with anxiety.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a chronic headache disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD due to inadequate opinions in prior examinations. The claims are now pending for further development.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and a detailed explanation of employment history. The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and posttraumatic migraine headaches will also be examined to determine their impact on his employability.

The Board has remanded the claims for obstructive sleep apnea and PTSD due to potential errors in the previous decisions. The Veteran needs to provide results of a January 2020 sleep study, verify his claimed stressor with JSRRC, and obtain an addendum opinion from the VA examiner.

The Veteran's previously denied claims of service connection for right shoulder disability, right-hand CTS, right knee disability, left knee disability, and PTSD have been reopened. The appeal is granted to this limited extent.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's sleep disorder and his service-connected PTSD, as well as the impact of weight gain related to PTSD on his sleep disorder.

The Veteran's initial claim for service connection for sleep apnea was denied in July 2005, but reopened due to new evidence presented. The claims of service connection for a back disorder and skin disorder were also reopened. A rating higher than 30 percent for PTSD prior to February 20, 2019 is denied, while a 50 percent rating from that date onward is granted. The Veteran's PFB remains rated at 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and evaluation due to inadequate examination findings. The Veteran's PTSD symptoms are unclearly delineated from his unspecified neurocognitive disorder, and a new examination is needed.