PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2021

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been granted. The claim for service connection for sleep apnea as a result of service-connected disability is remanded.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding the claims of entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD, an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy (sciatic nerve) prior to December 7, 2020, a rating in excess of 20 percent for right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy (sciatic nerve) from December 7, 2020, an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy (sciatic nerve) prior to December 7, 2020, a rating in excess of 20 percent for left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy (sciatic nerve) from December 7, 2020, a compensable initial rating for erectile dysfunction, a compensable initial rating for bilateral diabetic retinopathy prior to February 5, 2021, and a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral diabetic retinopathy from February 5, 2021.,The Veteran also withdrew his appeals regarding the claims of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) prior to December 7, 2020 and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) prior to December 7, 2020.

The Veteran's initial increased rating claim for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease with IVDS was dismissed, while his PTSD claim and TDIU claim were both granted.,For the appeal period prior to April 8, 2014, the Veteran received a 70 percent rating for PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the addition of VA mental health treatment notes since the September 2018 Supplemental Statement of the Case. The TDIU claim remains pending as it relates to the increased rating for PTSD.

The Board has determined that there was not substantial compliance with the June 2015 remand directives and thus another remand is required. The VA medical opinion should address whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disabilities had their clinical onset in service.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration, including obtaining a VA psychiatric examination and issuing a Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC).

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, right foot residuals of frostbite, and left foot residuals of frostbite rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to May 10, 2018. As such, the Board granted his claim for TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD and low back sprain have been granted initial maximum ratings of 100 percent each, effective from the date of the March 2014 rating decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected, but has remanded for further examination and development regarding her low back disability, acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, and heart disability claims.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service in Vietnam and whether his PTSD was caused by or resulted from his active service. The cause of death is also under review.

The Board has denied an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD and remanded the cases regarding service connection for right knee condition, residuals of TBI, and PTSD. The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have resulted in disturbances of motivation and mood but do not more closely approximate occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas or an inability to establish or maintain effective relationships.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30% prior to October 29, 2019 and increased to 50% effective October 29, 2019. The appeal is denied for a higher rating.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, secondary service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to PTSD, secondary service connection for a heart disability status post implanted cardiac pacemaker with sick sinus syndrome as secondary to PTSD and obstructive sleep apnea, and secondary service connection for erectile dysfunction as secondary to PTSD.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, finding no current diagnosis of PTSD or any other mental condition that meets DSM-5 criteria. The Veteran's reported stressors were not verified and her symptoms did not meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the claims of service connection for migraine headaches, acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD), substance abuse, and memory loss. The issues are being remanded to allow for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's PTSD has not caused occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, so a higher rating is denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to inconsistencies in employment status and the need for clarification.

The Board denied the claim of entitlement to DIC based on service connection for cause of death, finding that neither service-connected PTSD nor any other service-connected disorder was a principal or contributory cause of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating of coronary artery disease is granted, and service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder including PTSD is also granted.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining missing VA and private treatment records, determining which communications the Veteran did not receive from VA, clarifying his employment status, and scheduling a new VA examination to assess his employability.