PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's PTSD and left knee disability were evaluated, with the ratings for PTSD denied in excess of 30 percent prior to March 28, 2017; and/or in excess of 70 percent from that date. The rating for left knee disability was granted at 10 percent prior to October 17, 2016; 20 percent from that date (first for dislocated semilunar cartilage, then 20 percent combined for symptomatic post semilunar cartilage removal and arthritis with painful motion) to March 18, 2019; and 30 percent combined (10 percent for limited extension, 10 percent for symptomatic post semilunar cartilage removal, and 10 percent for slight instability) from that date.

The Veteran's right ankle disorder is granted service connection. Service connection for PTSD and bilateral hearing loss are denied, but GERD remains at a non-compensable rating.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a higher 70 percent rating retroactively effective from January 2013, but no earlier. The decision also notes that the Veteran had previously received a 50 percent rating for his PTSD as of January 2010.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD with Major Depressive Disorder without severe psychotic features was denied by the Board. The evidence demonstrated that his symptoms did not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and service connection has been dismissed due to their death.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated from April 22, 2008 to September 10, 2014 at a 50 percent rating and thereafter at a 70 percent rating. The appeal for increased ratings prior to September 10, 2014 and in excess of 70 percent thereafter is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for PTSD due to incomplete compliance with previous remand directives and the need to obtain additional VA treatment records from 2008.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate examination and incomplete consideration of all acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Board has restored the Veteran's 100% disability rating for service-connected PTSD effective September 1, 2019, after finding that the reduction was not proper and did not reflect an actual change in the disability based on a review of the entire history.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, as there are pre-decisional duty to assist errors and need for further medical opinions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings, service connection, and effective dates are being remanded due to procedural errors in the prior rating decision.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on being permanently housebound due to a single disability rated at 100 percent and additional disabilities independently ratable at 60 percent.

The Veteran's headaches were rated at 30 percent prior to October 30, 2019 and granted a 50 percent rating thereafter. The Veteran is not entitled to an earlier effective date for TDIU or DEA benefits.

The Board has restored the Veteran's original disability rating of 70 percent for PTSD, as reducing it to 10 percent was improper due to failure to provide proper notice and procedural safeguards.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, and for increased ratings for bilateral knee disabilities require additional development due to a lack of a VA examination regarding the nature and etiology of his psychiatric symptoms and a failure to comply with the requirements in Sharp v. Shulkin.

For the period prior to May 18, 2018, the Veteran's TBI was rated at 40 percent and denied a higher rating.,Since May 18, 2018, the Veteran's TBI has been rated at 70 percent and denied a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Board has determined that there has not been substantial compliance with the previous remand directives and therefore, another remand is required for further development of the Veteran's PTSD and ED increased rating claims.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric condition, specifically Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which is related to his military sexual trauma during service.