PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Board has granted service connection for Persistent Depressive Disorder and denied the claims for PTSD, sleep impairment, lower back disability, right leg disability, and left ear hearing loss.

The Veteran's TDIU rating is granted, effective from June 18, 2010, through June 13, 2012.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 70 percent rating prior to April 23, 2018 and denied for any higher ratings. From April 23, 2018 (excluding convalescent periods), the Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment throughout the appeal period, thus his claim for TDIU is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him bedridden, confined to his immediate premises, or unable to care for his daily needs without requiring the regular aid and attendance of another person. Therefore, he is not eligible for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are remanded due to unclear pre-service status of his psychiatric disorders and sleep disorder, as well as the need for additional development regarding SSA disability benefits.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient consideration of the Veteran's in-service stressors and post-service mental health issues. The claim will be reconsidered with a new VA medical opinion.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective March 25, 2014. His hearing loss remains noncompensable.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on housebound status and the need for aid and attendance was denied as he does not meet the criteria for either SMC based on disability ratings or factual basis.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical evidence on file, and a VA examination is needed to determine if any diagnosed psychiatric disorder is related to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a respiratory illness, finding that additional development is needed to address the etiology of his conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, but the Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they do not meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 30 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and remanded the claims of hypertension, an acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD and depression), and GERD.

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, due to a finding that his condition existed prior to service and was not aggravated by military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating greater than 70 percent for PTSD until January 25, 2019, finding that total social and occupational impairment due to PTSD has not been demonstrated or more nearly approximated prior to this date.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection, initial compensable rating, and increased rating for hearing loss and PTSD due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's claim for left ear hearing loss was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability.,PTSD service connection and increased rating were granted with an effective date of October 12, 2015.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is granted with a 70% rating for the period prior to May 22, 2014, and a 100% rating thereafter. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is granted with a 70% rating. The Veteran's CAD is also granted with a 70% rating.

The Board granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and anxiety disorder. Service connection was denied for type II diabetes mellitus and colon cancer as they were not shown to be related to active service or herbicide exposure.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, a bilateral eye disability (cataracts), edema of abdomen, legs, and feet, and a liver disability, all claimed as resulting from herbicide agent exposure. The Veteran served in Thailand during his active duty.