PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for PTSD and TDIU is remanded due to inadequate VA examinations conducted using DSM-V criteria instead of the requested DSM-IV criteria.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for left palmar median nerve neuropathy was denied as the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD with polysubstance abuse prior to April 30, 2014 and from August 1, 2014, was denied as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a disability rating of 70 percent or higher.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection of a right hip disorder and psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, depression, and unspecified neurocognitive disorder. The decision is due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's appeals for effective dates earlier than specific dates have been dismissed.,The Veteran's appeals for initial disability ratings in excess of specific percentages have also been dismissed.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 30 percent, and the Board denied a higher rating. The ratings for carpal tunnel syndrome of both upper extremities and diabetes mellitus are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and depression, as secondary to a service-connected left shoulder disability, has been granted. However, the effective date remains pending due to the complexity of determining when the benefits should have started.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed PTSD and depressive disorder, including whether his alleged traumatic experiences during service are sufficient for a diagnosis of PTSD. The Veteran will need to undergo another VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and depression, not otherwise specified, to include with secondary alcohol use disorder in remission prior to October 3, 2016, has not been manifested by occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted a 70 percent disability rating, and the effective date for service connection of radiculopathy in the left lower extremity (LLE) is set at June 16, 2012.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's psychiatric conditions, particularly PTSD. A new VA examination is needed to clarify these diagnoses and determine their relationship to service.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is denied as he has maintained substantially gainful employment throughout the rating period, with his income exceeding the poverty threshold and he was able to maintain full-time employment above the poverty level.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD and erectile dysfunction, as well as a TDIU, were denied by the Board. The decision also noted that factors warranting referral for TDIU on an extraschedular basis are not present.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, including PTSD, anxiety and depression. The evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran’s current psychiatric conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, MDD, lumbar spine disability, and right lower extremity radiculopathy, have prevented him from securing and following substantially gainful employment since January 6, 2011. Additionally, his loss of use of both feet due to his service-connected conditions is also recognized.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a VA mental health examination to assess the severity of the Veteran's PTSD and its impact on his ability to work. The TDIU issue is also being remanded due to the inextricably intertwined nature with the higher disability evaluation claim.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to the grant of service connection for an unspecified depressive disorder and a TDIU, which resolved the issues on appeal.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depression, was not shown in service or for many years thereafter and is not otherwise related to active duty service. Therefore, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD (claimed as nervous disorder), and his delusional disorder are not related to service. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Board denied increased ratings for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Hiatal Hernia, finding that the Veteran's symptoms did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to new evidence being added to the record, and the Veteran did not waive RO review of this evidence. The case will be returned to the RO for review and issuance of an SSOC.