PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2021

The Veteran's appeal for increased disability ratings for his service-connected generalized anxiety disorder with depressive disorder, not otherwise specified (also claimed as PTSD) has been dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing his appeal.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD with major depressive disorder is granted, effective from April 26, 2017. The Board finds that the effective date should be March 31, 2012 (the day after separation from service), but no earlier.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development regarding the Veteran's reported in-service stressor and unit records.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for breast cancer has been withdrawn. The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, including bipolar disorder and PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case for additional medical inquiry into the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and other related conditions.

The Veteran's left knee disability is currently rated at 60 percent, effective from January 7, 2012. The appeal remains on hold due to remanded issues.,Service connection for a left shoulder disability and diabetes mellitus are also being remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and a right knee disability. The right knee disability remains remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 70 percent disability rating, effective from May 26, 2020. This decision grants the increased rating for PTSD.

An earlier effective date of September 18, 2007 for the grant of service connection for acquired psychiatric disorders (PTSD and bipolar disorder) is granted. For the initial rating period on appeal from September 18, 2007 through January 19, 2011, a higher initial disability rating in excess of 30 percent for acquired psychiatric disorders is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been granted, with the diagnosis based on an in-service stressor witnessed during military training.

The Veteran's TDIU was granted as a result of his service-connected PTSD with substance abuse, which includes the hand tremors that prevent effective writing. The appellant is eligible for attorney fees based on past-due benefits awarded in the August 2019 rating decision.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they are consistent with occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and readjudication, including consideration of additional VA examination reports and treatment records since the June 2019 Supplemental Statement of the Case.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was denied due to lack of a verified in-service stressor, and the effective date for service connection is July 23, 2010.

The appeal for increased ratings for PTSD is dismissed. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted, but the appeal for service connection of temporal bone tumor is remanded.

The Veteran's motion to revise the September 2005 rating decision that granted service connection for PTSD, effective May 20, 2002, on grounds of clear and unmistakable error (CUE) is granted. An earlier effective date of October 30, 1992, is assigned.

The Veteran's total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted due to service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss. The decision is based on the severity of these conditions alone, as they meet the criteria for a TDIU.

The Veteran's left knee disability is currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board finds that it does not warrant a higher rating based on limitation of motion.,PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since July 12, 2013. The Board concludes that PTSD warrants an initial rating of 50 percent prior to October 23, 2020 and denied the claim for a higher rating beginning October 23, 2020.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, bilateral knee disorder, muscle pain in the lower extremities, and respiratory disorder (to include CFS) are being remanded due to new evidence received since the final denial of these claims.,New evidence includes updated stressor statements and VA examination reports that support the Veteran's assertions regarding her service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, unspecified reaction to severe stress and depression, is granted as service connected. The Veteran's PTSD claim is denied due to lack of verified in-service stressor. Service connection for a right knee disorder is denied because the preexisting condition did not worsen during service. Service connection for cervical spine and lumbar spine disorders are also denied.