PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD was denied, and his claims for service connection for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome were also denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings on PTSD, thoracolumbar spine disability, and cervical disability, as well as a TDIU rating were denied because he failed to report for scheduled VA examinations without providing good cause.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since December 18, 2012. The Board has now granted a 70 percent disability rating for PTSD, effective from the date of the decision.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to the need for additional development and consideration of relevant VA treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for DEA benefits is denied because the evidence did not establish a permanent total service-connected disability prior to November 27, 2006.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, should be remanded due to a duty to assist error. The VA did not obtain adequate VA medical examinations and opinions regarding the potential nexus between the Veteran’s current mental health conditions and his military service or any service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service-connected due to a diagnosed condition related to an in-service stressor during combat duty.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional evidence to be obtained and a new VA examination of his PTSD. The issue of TDIU is also remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation of his PTSD and TDIU was denied. The Board found that the Veteran’s PTSD symptoms did not warrant a higher than 50 percent rating, as they did not meet the criteria for a 70 percent disability rating under VA regulations. For TDIU, the Board determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was granted, with an initial disability evaluation of 50 percent effective September 18, 2019. The decision is based on new evidence submitted after the previous denial in March 2007.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn for the bilateral foot condition. The PTSD claim is remanded due to a lack of recent examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development, including issues related to service connection and disability ratings. The case will be returned to the AOJ for consideration of new evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and VA examinations.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 50 percent for his service-connected PTSD has been denied. Additionally, the Veteran's claim for TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities has also been denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding whether the Veteran's OSA is secondary to his service-connected PTSD. The Veteran will need a VA examination and opinion from a physician qualified to diagnose sleep disorders.

The Veteran's liver disability claim is remanded. His tinnitus, diabetic nephropathy, diabetes mellitus, PTSD, and left ankle disability claims are also remanded.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for erectile dysfunction, GERD, a skin disability, and headaches due to their potential impact on the Veteran's TDIU claim. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, tinnitus, and GERD disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on these conditions.

The Veteran is granted service connection for an unspecified depressive disorder but denied service connection for PTSD. The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder preexisted a period of service and was aggravated by a period of service, and there is medical evidence linking current symptoms to in-service stressors.