PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2021

The Veteran's claim for service connection for high blood pressure has been dismissed.,Service connection for PTSD is granted, and the initial rating for right ankle degenerative joint disease remains at 10 percent.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for right shoulder tendonitis and service connection for PTSD and bipolar disorder with depression are remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examinations.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent from June 21, 2010 to April 29, 2019 and a 70 percent rating was granted starting on April 30, 2019.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted at a 70 percent rating, effective from the date of the decision.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depressive disorder, anxiety, and PTSD. The appeal as to the issue of service connection for PLS is remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, other specified depressive disorder, and other specified personality disorder, finding that there is no evidence establishing a medical nexus between his service and his current psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development regarding service connection for ischemic heart disease and the issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities prior to May 11, 2011. The inextricably intertwined issue of an increased rating higher than 50 percent for PTSD prior to May 11, 2011 is also remanded.,The Veteran's appeal includes a request for service connection for ischemic heart disease (claimed as mildly prominent aorta and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)). The Board finds that additional development is needed regarding the relationship between the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents in service and his AAA. Additionally, the issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities prior to May 11, 2011 requires further consideration as it may impact the increased rating claim for PTSD.,The Veteran's appeal also includes an increased rating higher than 50 percent for PTSD prior to May 11, 2011. The Board finds that additional development is needed regarding the functional impact of PTSD on the Veteran's ability to perform occupational activities prior to May 11, 2011.

The Veteran was granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, effective June 24, 2009.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, finding that the Veteran's symptoms did not begin during service or are otherwise etiologically related to his active duty.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, degenerative arthritis of the spine with intervertebral disc syndrome, right lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy associated with his lumbar spine disability, tinnitus, and coronary artery disease, status-post myocardial infarction, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment from April 8, 2014 to May 29, 2018. The Board has granted TDIU for this period.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70% from August 9, 2010 to October 9, 2018. Effective October 10, 2018, the Veteran received a 100% rating for his PTSD. The effective date of service connection for PTSD remains August 9, 2010.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD and MDD. However, it denied service connection due to lack of evidence showing current diagnoses or a link between service and these conditions.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically PTSD, is granted as service connected. The Board found that the Veteran engaged in combat with the enemy during active service and his current PTSD symptoms are related to this stressor.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, hypertension as secondary to PTSD, and obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to PTSD. The Veteran's other conditions are also found to be related to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder and alcohol abuse is rated at 70 percent from December 8, 2009. A TDIU rating is granted as of February 1, 2020.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a rating of 70 percent effective April 13, 2017, and denied for ratings in excess of 30 percent prior to that date.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and panic disorder, is rated at 70 percent from August 11, 2011. The rating reflects significant occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, is at least as likely as not related to service and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, as determined by VA examiners.

The Veteran's PTSD with associated depression, cannabis, and alcohol abuse is rated at 70 percent since January 31, 2013. The Board has found that the evidence does not support a higher rating or service connection for the right knee disability.