PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2021

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has resulted in total occupational and social impairment for the entire period on appeal, warranting a 100 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of TBI with memory loss was dismissed due to the Veteran's request for withdrawal.,PTSD was granted a 70% disability rating, effective December 1, 2014. The Veteran is not entitled to a higher rating.

The Veteran's mental health condition, claimed as PTSD, has worsened over time and the last VA examination is nearly 4 years old. The Board has ordered additional development to obtain updated treatment records and schedule a new VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding service connection for an acquired psychological disorder and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The Veteran's claims will be reconsidered after obtaining additional medical records.

The Veteran's PTSD prior to December 30, 2015 resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. The Board found that the symptoms did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher initial rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD and for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities. The Veteran is required to provide authorization for VA to obtain his psychiatric treatment records, and he must complete a VA Form 21-8940 if seeking TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition (claimed as PTSD) is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD, diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities have been dismissed as his appeal has been withdrawn from the legacy appeals system due to his opt-in into the Appeals Modernization Act.

The Veteran's PTSD from September 7, 2010 to June 20, 2011 warrants a 70 percent rating due to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.,Beginning September 1, 2011, the Veteran's PTSD warrants a 70 percent rating due to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including PTSD and lower extremity disabilities associated with Parkinson's disease, have resulted in the need for SMC based on loss of use of both feet and aid and attendance. The rating assigned is 50 percent.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, finding that his symptoms are related to his in-service stressors.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's service connection claim for obstructive sleep apnea, to include as due to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is remanded due to inadequate medical opinion regarding causation.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome was denied. The Board also found that service connection could not be established for PTSD or an acquired psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD.

The Board has granted an effective date of April 8, 2017 for the award of a TDIU due to service-connected PTSD. The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating greater than 70 percent for PTSD is dismissed.

The Veteran's PTSD rating reduction from 50 percent to 30 percent is improper, and the 50 percent rating is restored.,The Veteran's right shoulder, left shoulder, right knee, and left knee conditions are remanded for further examination.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for PTSD, service connection for TBI residuals, and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities. The Veteran will be provided with forms to complete and VA will attempt to obtain all relevant records.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability and remanded it due to outstanding VA treatment records. The Board also remanded the claims for an effective date prior to March 31, 2010 for PTSD and a rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD prior to June 25, 2019.

The Veteran has withdrawn all claims on appeal, including those related to joint pains, bilateral hearing loss disability, TBI residuals, psoriasis, and other conditions. The Board dismissed these appeals as the Veteran's attorney requested withdrawal of all issues.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development of his VA treatment records, including those from a VA compensated work therapy program and psychiatric hospitalizations prior to May 2012.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, hypertension, and prostate condition have been reopened. Service connection has been granted for PTSD. The ratings for hypertension and prostate condition are being remanded.