PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for PTSD with memory loss, service connection for traumatic brain injury, and left and right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with TBI has rendered him so helpless as to require the regular aid and attendance of another person, warranting entitlement to special monthly compensation (SMC) for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was denied as there is no current diagnosis of PTSD.,Service connection for a low back disorder, left knee disorder, shin splints, and neck disorder were all denied due to the lack of evidence of current disabilities or pathology causing symptoms.,There are no post-service medical records showing any current diagnoses or treatment related to these conditions.

The Board has found that service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, depressive disorder, and adjustment disorder is denied. Service connection for hypertension, to include secondary to an acquired psychiatric disorder, is also denied. The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for residuals of larynx cancer must be remanded due to the possibility of increased severity since the last examination in 2016.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disability and acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, schizophrenia, and/or bipolar disorder, are not service-connected.

The Veteran is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected PTSD and lumbar strain, which combined have rendered him unemployable.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for left ear hearing loss disability, a rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD, and entitlement to TDIU due to unemployability. The remand includes obtaining additional treatment records from the Veteran's Vet Center and scheduling new VA examinations.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder and PTSD have been rated at 70 percent since September 6, 2011. This rating is effective as of that date.

The appeals for PTSD and lung cancer were dismissed due to the appellant's death.

The Veteran's PTSD with associated cannabis use disorder is rated at 70 percent since April 17, 2017. The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right leg and foot is rated at 20 percent.,The Veteran's claim for TDIU was granted effective April 17, 2017.

The Board has remanded the TDIU claim due to additional development needed, including new VA examinations for bilateral pes planus and PTSD.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to insufficient medical opinions and need for updated VA treatment records. The Veteran's service connection claim for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is being reviewed along with his TDIU claim.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD was denied, and the TDIU benefit was granted.

The Veteran's PTSD was evaluated at a 50 percent rating prior to April 21, 2015. The Board denied an evaluation in excess of this rating.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran's reported stressors during service are related to his current conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for gunshot wound residuals of the right and left ankles, as well as PTSD, were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support an increase in rating beyond 10 percent for both ankle conditions and 70 percent for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD and MDD were granted a 70 percent rating from June 9, 2011 to January 16, 2014. A TDIU was also granted effective June 9, 2011.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings for PTSD and a headache disorder, as well as the TDIU claim due to incomplete development.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, is rated at 70 percent effective September 11, 2015.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied. The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a right shoulder disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and depressive disorder) due to insufficient evidence in the record.