PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2021

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, lumbar strain, cervical spine arthritis, anxiety, and left ankle disability have been remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated as noncompensable, and his PTSD with TBI is rated at 70 percent. The Veteran was granted a separate 10 percent rating for headaches and dizziness.,PTSD with TBI does not meet the criteria for a higher than 70 percent rating due to occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms and impairment prior to October 29, 2019 approximated occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas. However, from October 29, 2019, the Veteran's symptoms did not more nearly approximate total occupational and social impairment.,The Veteran was granted a disability rating of 70 percent for PTSD prior to October 29, 2019, but denied a higher rating after that date. The TDIU claim was also denied.

The Veteran's PTSD claim has been reopened and granted, as well as his COPD claim. The right shoulder disability claim is pending due to the need for additional development.,Service connection was established for PTSD and COPD.

The Veteran's appeals for an increased rating for PTSD and a TDIU have been dismissed as the appellant has withdrawn his appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his fear of hostile military or terrorist activity during service in Vietnam, and thus grants entitlement to service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for neck and left shoulder disabilities have been reopened due to the submission of new evidence. The claim for increased evaluation for PTSD has been granted.,Service connection for PTSD remains at a 70 percent rating throughout the appeal period, with no higher.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, which is the maximum rating under the applicable VA Rating Schedule.,Service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to PTSD has been granted.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a TDIU prior to May 6, 2021.

The Board has decided that the veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, as secondary to PTSD or diabetes mellitus, needs further development and is therefore remanded.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD is denied as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a 100 percent disability rating. The Veteran's claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities is granted, effective March 18, 2014.

The Veteran's service connection claims for cystic kidney disease, eye condition (keratoconjunctivitis), sleep apnea, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) have all been denied. The Board found that the preponderance of evidence did not support a causal link between these conditions and active service.,The Veteran's testimony regarding his experiences in service was considered, but the VA examiners noted inconsistencies and lack of consistency in the Veteran’s statements.

The Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for PTSD was granted. His request for service connection for stomach disorder, to include hernia, remains denied.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating of 50 percent for PTSD prior to May 11, 2020 has been dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing their appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, which corresponds to a reduced reliability and productivity due to symptoms such as flattened affect, anxiety, chronic sleep impairment, and difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances. The Board found that the Veteran's symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are remanded for further development.,The Veteran's tinnitus is remanded for further development.,The Veteran's respiratory disability (asthma, bronchitis, bronchospastic disease) is remanded due to potential exposure at Camp Lejeune. The psychiatric disability (PTSD, depression NOS, depressive disorder unspecified, anxiety NOS) is also remanded for a VA examination and opinion regarding service connection.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability is remanded for a VA examination and opinion regarding service connection.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was granted with a 100% rating effective December 20, 1993. However, an earlier effective date is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and dysthymic disorder, finding that there was no in-service event or injury related to these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms are manifested by depression, anxiety, and past suicidal thoughts. The Board has determined that a 70 percent evaluation is warranted for the Veteran's PTSD.,Service connection for tinnitus is granted as the evidence is in equipoise with respect to whether it was caused by military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate development and need for additional medical opinions. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depressive disorder NOS, and adjustment disorder with anxiety and depression, is being reviewed.