PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2021

The Board has remanded the case due to uncertainty about whether the Veteran currently meets the criteria for a DSM-5 PTSD diagnosis and needs further examination. The claim will be reconsidered based on any new evidence obtained.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and neurocognitive disorder are now rated at 70 percent effective September 17, 2014.

The Board has remanded the issue of entitlement to a Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) prior to March 3, 2020 due to service-connected disabilities. The Veteran's PTSD and back disability made him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation before that date.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD and TDIU prior to May 23, 2017 was dismissed. The Board granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability including degenerative joint and disc disease.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and review due to the Veteran's PTSD symptoms worsening and his claim of loss of use of a creative organ.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to a failure to obtain VA treatment records and provide an adequate statement of reasons or bases regarding whether staged ratings are warranted.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective December 21, 2011. The decision also grants TDIU as of that date.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD due to lack of a current diagnosis.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for her left wrist fracture and associated scar, as well as tinnitus, are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD with major depressive disorder was granted. Claims for other conditions were denied or remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have worsened, including decreased social interactions, increased anxiety and depression, and multiple suicide attempts. The Board has ordered remand for obtaining relevant treatment records and a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, including as secondary to PTSD, is remanded. The Board also granted a TDIU based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a disability rating in excess of 50 percent for an acquired psychiatric disability and entitlement to TDIU due to outstanding VA treatment records and the need for further examination.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to September 7, 2012 was granted. The issues of service connection for left knee disability (claimed as secondary to right knee disability), right wrist disability, and lumbar spine disability (claimed as secondary to right knee disability) were remanded.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, due to residuals of an esophageal perforation is denied as there is no evidence that the March 2013 VA surgery caused additional disability beyond what was already present.

The Veteran's PTSD has caused occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas since October 1, 2014. The Board granted a 70 percent rating for the entire period on appeal (since October 1, 2014), which is higher than the initial 50 percent rating assigned retroactively effective from October 1, 2014.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a left ankle disability and PTSD due to insufficient opinions regarding secondary service connection and inadequate consideration of the Veteran's lay statements.

The Veteran's PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent prior to September 21, 2020. A TDIU was granted for the period prior to this date.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent from July 12, 2017 to January 31, 2021. The rating was granted as the condition has caused significant occupational and social impairment.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and evaluation of the Veteran's claims, including obtaining addendum opinions regarding the etiology of his radiculopathy of the bilateral upper extremities and headache disorder.

The Veteran's death was not due to service-connected conditions, and the Board is remanding for further development regarding the cause of death.