PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for hemorrhoids prior to December 9, 2019 was denied. The Board also found that the Veteran has an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) but did not establish a causal nexus between his PTSD and in-service stressor.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for sleep apnea, finding that his symptoms did not manifest during active duty and there was no evidence linking his current condition to any period of active service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and diabetes, precluded him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment during the period from January 1, 2005 to April 23, 2012.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a bilateral testicular condition is denied. The Board found no evidence of a current diagnosis or history of a testicular disability, and the Veteran does not have a diagnosed testicular disorder related to service. For his right forearm scar, painful scar, and nerve injury, the Veteran is currently rated at 70 percent for PTSD, which is the maximum rating allowed under Diagnostic Code 8513. The Board denied higher ratings for these conditions as they do not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for TDIU, finding that his service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 70 percent from April 13, 2011 to March 8, 2012. From March 8, 2012 to the present, a higher rating is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, but the Board finds no evidence of additional impairment warranting a higher rating.,The Veteran was already receiving retroactive compensation for his PTSD from March 29, 2004 to December 1, 2004 and again from December 1, 2004 to January 1, 2005. The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for a heart disorder other than CAD, stomach disorder, and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the Veteran's PTSD diagnosis. The Veteran is entitled to a new VA examination and an updated medical opinion.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including for PTSD and lumbar spine disability. The Veteran's skin condition and TDIU claim are also remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a 70 percent rating for the entirety of the appeal period, and entitlement to TDIU was also granted.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated as noncompensable, and no increased rating is warranted.,For the period from January 4, 2012 to January 10, 2017, the Veteran’s degenerative arthritis of the spine with IVDS warrants a 20 percent rating. However, for the period after January 10, 2017, no higher than a 20 percent rating is warranted.,The Veteran's radiculopathy of the right lower extremity (RLE) from July 21, 2015 warrants an initial 20 percent rating.,PTSD with depression was rated as 70 percent disabling from July 1, 2015 to January 10, 2017. A TDIU is granted for this period.,TDIU prior to July 1, 2015 and from January 10, 2017 is granted.,An effective date of July 1, 2015 is granted for DEA benefits under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35.,Issues related to TDIU prior to July 1, 2015 and from January 10, 2017 are remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity for the period from July 20, 2011 to December 18, 2017. The Board granted an initial evaluation of 50 percent for this period.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including a low back disability, TBI, PTSD, and migraine headaches. The specific issues include reducing the rating for TBI from 40 percent to 10 percent effective January 1, 2014; combining the separate ratings for PTSD and TBI into a single 50 percent rating; restoring the prior 10 percent rating for TBI; and reducing the rating for migraine headaches from 50 percent to 0 percent.

The Veteran's claim for increased evaluations for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records from Vet Centers and private facilities.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, which is the maximum rating available under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders. The Board found that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating.,The Veteran's IBS and diarrhea are currently rated as noncompensable (0 percent). The Board found that his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development regarding her PTSD and dysthymic disorder.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient examination reports and need for additional development regarding service connection for acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and adolescent adjustment disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50% prior to December 24, 2016 and from February 1, 2017. His bilateral hearing loss is not compensable.

The Board dismissed the appeals for generalized anxiety disorder, PTSD, and hypertension as they are no longer relevant due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a 70 percent evaluation from March 20, 2007 to June 10, 2013. The issue of TDIU prior to June 10, 2013 is being remanded for further development.