PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2021

The Veteran's appeal is denied as he has already received a 50% disability rating for his service-connected psychiatric disability, which includes PTSD and major depression.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD should be remanded due to insufficient medical evidence regarding whether he had a diagnosis of PTSD and its relationship to his active service.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since July 22, 1999. The Board denied a higher rating as the symptoms do not meet the criteria for a 70 or 100 percent rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment for the entire appeal period prior to November 24, 2008. The Board has granted a TDIU beginning April 24, 2007.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and schizophrenia, finding that the Veteran failed to report for a necessary VA examination without good cause.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating of his service-connected PTSD with depressive disorder, opiate use disorder and aggravated bipolar disorder was denied. The Board found that the symptoms more closely approximated a 50 percent disability rating rather than a higher one. Other issues were remanded due to procedural errors in filing a timely notice of disagreement.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for PTSD and TDIU prior to November 29, 2018 due to incomplete medical records. The VA must secure all updated VA evaluations and treatment records from June 2014 to December 2018.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating in excess of 70 percent disabling effective March 1, 2016 for PTSD with alcohol use disorder and alcohol induced depressive and anxiety disorder has been dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing his appeal.

The Veteran's appeals for a higher rating for PTSD and TDIU have been dismissed as the Veteran has withdrawn his claims.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to assess the impact of the Veteran's PTSD on his ability to work. The issue of TDIU will be referred to the Director of Compensation and Pension Service if deemed necessary.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted an increased rating to 50 percent effective December 5, 2019. Prior to this date, the disability remained at a 30 percent rating.

The Veteran's initial 70 percent rating for PTSD with MDD and psychotic features is granted for the period prior to May 6, 2020.,A higher initial rating of over 70 percent for PTSD with MDD and psychotic features from May 6, 2020, is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, anxiety disorder, depression, cervical spine disorders, lumbar spine disorders, and peripheral neuropathy do not prevent him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a left knee disorder was denied, and his initial disability rating for PTSD was also denied. The Board found that the Veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to inadequate compliance with prior remand instructions. The Veteran's psychiatric disability, including PTSD, is being reviewed again for increased ratings and a TDIU rating.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration. The Veteran's PTSD claim is being remanded due to a lack of an earlier effective date, while his respiratory disability and TDIU claims are being remanded for additional evaluations.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted an initial rating of 70 percent, effective August 24, 2012. The disability is characterized by occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and adjustment disorder with secondary depressive disorder, claimed as major depression, anxiety disorder, and mood swings render him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment prior to April 5, 2018.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is granted. The Board finds that the Veteran's PTSD is etiologically related to her active service and grants this claim. The right knee condition claim is remanded due to insufficient medical opinion.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU prior to July 1, 2020 is being remanded due to the need for clarification of his employment status and earnings during the appeal period.