PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability prior to November 8, 2019. Beginning November 8, 2019, the Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a higher initial rating of 70 percent, effective from the date of the grant of service connection. The Veteran's kidney disability is granted a higher rating of 60 percent effective December 19, 2019.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and prostate cancer disabilities are of such severity that they prevent him from securing or maintaining gainful employment, meeting the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance or housebound status due to his stroke residuals, which are not related to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety and PTSD, is rated at 30 percent since the appeal period began.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, coronary artery disease, lumbar spine DDD, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, and tinnitus, have precluded him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation consistent with his education and work experience.

The Veteran's claim for Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) was denied in May 2018. The appellant, representing the Veteran, filed a timely Notice of Disagreement and executed a valid fee agreement with VA. In July 2019, TDIU was granted effective from May 7, 2018.

The Veteran's claim for VR&E services, including additional education to pursue a career as a professor or school counselor, is remanded due to the need for a new vocational rehabilitation evaluation considering his current symptomatology and service-connected disabilities.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bacterial infection, tinnitus, and posttraumatic stress disorder. The Veteran does not have diagnoses for these claimed disorders.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 50 percent since November 8, 2017. The appeal for higher ratings is denied.

The Board granted the Veteran's claim for a TDIU, effective April 19, 2014. The attorney was awarded 20% of past-due benefits based on this decision.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable.,The claim for service connection for skin cancer and an acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD and depression) is remanded due to the need for additional development regarding exposure to ionizing radiation during service.,The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and depression, is remanded as it may be significantly impacted by a determination on the skin cancer claim.

The Veteran's PTSD was found to have worsened as of November 30, 2016, warranting an effective date of that day for the increased rating.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for PTSD and sleep apnea as secondary to PTSD due to a lack of adequate medical opinion regarding the onset and causation of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examinations and a need for further development of evidence regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the appeal for a higher rating has been denied. Prior to April 26, 2018, the Veteran was not granted TDIU due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease and hypertension are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions. The issues of service connection for PTSD, peripheral neuropathy right lower extremity, and peripheral neuropathy left lower extremity remain on appeal.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is remanded as new VA treatment records may provide relevant information.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD is being remanded due to the VA not obtaining all requested medical records, particularly those from the Harford County Outstation of the Elkton Vet Center.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD is being remanded as the evidence does not show an increase in disability prior to November 17, 2017.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left and right CTS are also being remanded due to lack of relevant VA treatment records and need for further examination.,A compensable rating is also being remanded as the Veteran has not provided a specific claim for this issue.

The Board found that the VA correctly withheld $1,265.12 from the Veteran's disability compensation payments to recoup her separation pay, and denied her claim for a waiver of this overpayment.