PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2021

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient verification of a stressor event and because a decision on one issue could impact another.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent prior to January 9, 2003. The Board has remanded the case for further adjudication regarding TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since February 18, 2009. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted effective from that date.

The Veteran's death was due to oxycodone toxicity, but the Board is concerned that his drug use may have been related to a service-connected disorder. The case is remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for updated VA treatment records and a VA medical opinion regarding whether any current psychiatric diagnosis is related to the in-service claimed stressor event or caused by service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have been rated at a 70 percent disability rating from August 24, 2010 through September 21, 2016. A total disability rating for compensation purposes based on individual unemployability due to service connected disabilities (TDIU) was granted from March 31, 2012 through September 21, 2016.

The Veteran's PTSD with mild major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder is rated at 70 percent from February 19, 2020. The appeal for a higher rating prior to that date was denied.

The Veteran's appeal for an evaluation in excess of 40 percent for radiculopathy, left leg L-5 nerve root sciatic nerve associated with lumbosacral spine strain and degenerative disc disease is dismissed due to the appellant's withdrawal. The issues of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability are remanded.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is granted as secondary to his service-connected heart condition. The Veteran's PTSD prior to April 21, 2015 is denied for a rating in excess of 30 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional examinations and a review of his PTSD and TDIU claims, as well as his eligibility for special monthly compensation.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The epididymitis with left hydrocele was not rated higher than non-compensable, PTSD with MDD prior to December 6, 2019 and thereafter was not rated higher than 50 percent, right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome (right knee disability) and left knee partial medial meniscotomy with patellofemoral pain syndrome (left knee disability) were also denied.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and consideration, including scheduling a new VA examination for PTSD.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD as there was no credible supporting evidence that either of his claimed in-service stressors occurred.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding sleep apnea, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression and PTSD with alcohol dependence), and bilateral hearing loss before the Board could make a decision.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to issues with the Veteran's mailing address and the need for further development, including obtaining treatment records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's claim to reopen a previously denied cervical spine disability was granted. The claims for gastrointestinal and psychiatric disabilities, as well as anemia, are remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent from September 13, 2012. The TDIU claim was granted effective April 13, 2016.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that it is not caused or aggravated by his PTSD. The evidence does not support a link between PTSD and sleep apnea.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened and granted. A 10% disability rating is assigned for bilateral hearing loss effective May 23, 2014.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, along with other disabilities, rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. Effective September 30, 2017, he is granted TDIU and eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits.