PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for higher disability ratings and service connection are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and clarification of diagnoses.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and alcohol abuse related to PTSD have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment, leading to a TDIU determination.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service-connected, with the Board finding that his reported stressors are consistent with his military service and supported by medical evidence.,Service connection for a thoracolumbar spine disability (intervertebral disc syndrome) is also granted. The VA examiner opined it was more likely than not related to his in-service injury.

The Veteran's PTSD prior to September 5, 2017 resulted in occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks. The Board found the evidence did not show symptoms that equal or more nearly approximate a 50 percent rating.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD has been granted, but the case is remanded to determine his employment history and whether he qualifies for TDIU.

The Veteran's right ankle degenerative arthritis is rated at a maximum of 20 percent.,Throughout the period prior to August 15, 2013, the Veteran was granted TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities preventing him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment.,Financial assistance for automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment is denied due to the Veteran's ability to drive and ambulate despite his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and service connection was denied. The Board found that the current PTSD rating of 70 percent adequately reflects his impairment, while the lumbar strain rating of 10 percent is also appropriate given his symptoms. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss was not granted.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, an acquired psychiatric disorder, and chronic fatigue syndrome due to service-connected conditions were denied. The Board found that the stressors claimed by the Veteran could not be substantiated and there was no evidence of a direct connection between her current diagnoses and military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome and remanded his claims for increased ratings for migraine headaches, PTSD, and TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for earlier effective date of June 6, 2017 for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance is granted.,The Veteran's claim for SMC at the 38 U.S.C. § 1114(r) or (o) level prior to October 1, 2018 is denied.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for increased evaluation of ischemic heart disease and service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder, and remanded the claim for total disability based on individual unemployability.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to a lack of VA examinations and additional evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is remanded due to the VA not properly assessing the information provided by the Veteran regarding the date of a traumatic stressor event during his military service. The RO needs to clarify and narrow down the correct date or dates to search the JSRRC records.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and remanded the claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) and a neurological disorder (including Bell's palsy).

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric condition other than PTSD, including Major Depressive Disorder and Anxiety. The Board found no current evidence of a diagnosed mental health disability related to military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and has remanded the service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to outstanding VA treatment records and a need for further examinations. The Veteran's claims of service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and PTSD are pending.

The Board has granted a disability rating of 70 percent for PTSD prior to July 29, 2020 and denied any higher ratings thereafter. The decision is based on the Veteran's symptoms causing occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection on the issues of urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, right trapezius strain, right ear hearing loss, short-term memory loss disorder distinct from PTSD with depressive disorder and TBI residuals, initial compensable rating for TBI, and a rating in excess of 40 percent for lumbar degenerative disc disease on an extraschedular basis after November 20, 2014 has been withdrawn. The appeal is dismissed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD with alcohol and cannabis abuse due to outstanding VA treatment records. The issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is also being remanded as it may be significantly impacted by the outcome of the increased rating claim.