PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2021

The Veteran's service connection claims for headaches and an acquired psychiatric disorder have been granted.,The Board has also remanded the remaining issues, including a back disorder, TBI rating, and multiple noncompensable disabilities.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating of PTSD was denied, and the case is remanded due to new evidence. The Veteran's TDIU claim related to PTSD is also remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and bilateral pes planus have prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation prior to March 17, 2015.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms prior to February 21, 2019 did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as they caused occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 50% effective March 27, 2013. The Veteran's traumatic brain injury residuals (not otherwise encompassed by the rating for migraine headaches) are rated at 10% from March 27, 2013 to January 23, 2017 and at 70% effective January 23, 2017. The Veteran's PTSD is granted as a separate disability with an initial rating of 70%. The Veteran's back disability and bilateral foot/ankle disability are also granted.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 50% effective March 27, 2013. The Veteran's traumatic brain injury residuals (not otherwise encompassed by the rating for migraine headaches) are rated at 10% from March 27, 2013 to January 23, 2017 and at 70% effective January 23, 2017. The Veteran's PTSD is granted as a separate disability with an initial rating of 70%. The Veteran's back disability and bilateral foot/ankle disability are also granted.

The Board has granted earlier effective dates of August 7, 2009 for both TDIU and eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits. The Veteran's combined evaluation of his service-connected disabilities as of August 7, 2009, was 70 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome, right and left upper extremities are being remanded as the VA examiner's opinion is insufficient to adjudicate these claims. The addendum opinion must address whether the bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome was caused or aggravated by his service-connected diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities.,The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for diabetic retinopathy with focal laser treatment (previously rated as eye condition) is being remanded. The VA examiner must determine the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected diabetic retinopathy and whether any other related psychiatric disability, including PTSD, were incurred in or are related to his service.

The Veteran's PTSD is productive of a disability picture that more nearly approximates occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting an initial rating in excess of 50 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD alone supports a total disability rating based on unemployability, and his other disabilities together result in at least a 60% combined evaluation. Therefore, SMC is granted under the housebound rate.

The Board has restored the Veteran's PTSD rating from 50% to 70%, effective February 1, 2021. The reduction was not proper as there is no evidence of actual improvement in the Veteran's condition under ordinary conditions of life and work.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to obtain and follow a substantially gainful occupation, effective July 18, 2017.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD and right rotator cuff tendonitis were denied as there was no credible evidence supporting the claimed in-service stressors or injury, respectively.,Service connection for a left ankle disability (claimed as villonodular synovitis of the ankles) is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, but the Board has determined that there is not enough evidence to grant these claims at this time.,The Veteran's right ear hearing loss and lumbar spine disorder are related to his military service. However, the claim for posttraumatic stress disorder remains pending as the in-service sexual trauma has not been confirmed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is remanded due to conflicting diagnoses and the need for further evaluation. The Board will provide an additional VA psychiatric evaluation to clarify the current diagnosis of PTSD and determine its relationship to the verified in-service stressor.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his acquired psychiatric disorder are being remanded due to the addition of new VA treatment records and the need for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depression, panic disorder, and anxiety disorder, is related to his service. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for her acquired psychiatric disability and for a TDIU. Additional evidence is needed, including updated treatment records and a VA examination for mental disorders. The Veteran will also be provided with forms to apply for TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD is remanded due to the failure to issue a Statement of the Case (SOC).