PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2021

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have precluded him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment since October 9, 2017.

The Veteran's PTSD and major depressive disorder were initially granted, but the initial rating of 50% was denied prior to June 7, 2016. From June 7, 2016, a 70% rating for PTSD and major depressive disorder is granted.

The Veteran's appeal for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew their appeal in December 2020.

The Board has found that additional development is necessary to ensure a complete record for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining VA Vet Center records and updating his VA treatment records. The issues of rating PTSD with depressive disorder and opioid use disorder in early, full remission, rating TBI residuals, rating asthma, and entitlement to TDIU are all being remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently evaluated at a 30 percent rating, effective prior to May 29, 2012. The VA has granted an initial disability evaluation of 40 percent for cervical-spine disorder effective prior to September 18, 2012.,For the period from September 18, 2012 onwards, the Veteran's cervical spine condition is rated at a 20 percent rating. The VA has denied an increased disability evaluation in excess of this rating for his cervical-spine disorder.,The Veteran's left elbow disorder (epicondylitis) and left-elbow scar are both currently evaluated at a 10 percent rating, effective prior to September 18, 2012. The VA has denied entitlement to higher initial disability evaluations for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinion regarding whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is aggravated by his service-connected left knee disability, hypertension, and/or PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of PTSD is granted. The issue of entitlement to a TDIU due to service-connected disability is remanded.

The Veteran was awarded TDIU benefits starting from February 4, 2009 due to his service-connected PTSD and right knee disability. The Board found the Veteran unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment during this period.

The Veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for PTSD is granted. The Board has decided that the case should be remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the in-service stressors and need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD with a history of polysubstance abuse resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas prior to November 27, 2019. The Board found that the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD as due to military sexual trauma (MST) and remanded the issue of service connection for a lumbar strain.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there is no evidence to support these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a mental health disorder, including PTSD and GAD. Additionally, the Board has also remanded his claims for higher ratings for intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) of the lumbar spine, osteoarthritis of the right hip, and osteoarthritis of the left hip.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, which includes components of depression and anxiety, is granted. The Board affords the benefit of doubt to the Veteran's claims and finds that his current diagnoses are related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for PTSD with major depressive disorder is dismissed as the Veteran opted into a review under the Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) and his request was timely.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was initially denied in 1997 due to lack of verified stressors. After submitting additional service records that confirmed his claimed stressors, the claim was reopened and granted with an effective date of September 17, 2014. The Board found that the original claim should be reconsidered based on these new records, leading to a March 4, 1996, effective date for PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral foot condition is being remanded due to new and material evidence. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, claimed as PTSD, is also being remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for an additional psychiatric examination to address the nature and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD. The issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability and TDIU are also being remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD with major depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his fear of hostile military activity during his service in Korea.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records, need for stressor verification, and need for a new VA examination. The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD and anxiety is pending.