PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2021

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of a written withdrawal from the Veteran, and the need for further development including scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability, including PTSD and Persistent Depressive Disorder with Melancholic Features, is granted. However, the initial rating of 50% prior to March 9, 2018, and from March 9, 2018, to October 1, 2018, remains unchanged.

The Veteran's service-connected DDD of the cervical spine and PTSD have prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation since April 19, 2018.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since April 6, 2017. Prior to May 7, 2019, he was granted an initial rating of 70 percent for PTSD. A TDIU is also granted as of April 6, 2017.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for an initial rating greater than 60% for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, TDIU, SMC based on need for aid and attendance, spousal aid and attendance allowance, service connection for chest pain, reopening of PTSD claim, service connection for PTSD, and service connection for alcohol use disorder. The appeal was also remanded for service connection determinations.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration due to new evidence received since the last decision, including VA treatment records and a May 2020 VA PTSD examination. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also remanded as the full employment history needs to be clarified by obtaining updated SSA earnings statements.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent from February 25, 2016. The Board has remanded the case for further development due to issues with service connection and TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD is found to be related to in-service stressors, and service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is related to his active duty service and the claim for service connection is granted. The claims for left groin condition, pericarditis, and diabetes are remanded due to lack of evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder, left and right foot conditions, bilateral knee conditions, and denied service connection for GERD and sleep apnea. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and provide an opinion regarding the etiology of GERD.

The Board has remanded the case due to duty-to-assist errors and a need for an examination to determine if the appellant was insane at the time of his in-service marijuana violations.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, specifically PTSD, was found to not warrant an evaluation in excess of the current ratings from January 23, 2006 to April 23, 2013 and from April 23, 2013 to October 17, 2019.

The Veteran's appeals for ratings related to his right elbow and lumbar strain were dismissed. The Board found service connection for PTSD and unspecified anxiety disorder, granting the claim.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD prevented him from maintaining substantial gainful employment for the period from June 30, 2008 to May 4, 2012. The Board granted a TDIU during this period based on the severity of his PTSD symptoms.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for PTSD, finding that his symptoms did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating. The Veteran was previously granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for lipomas, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and any acquired psychiatric disorder are remanded due to insufficient evidence of record. The Veteran should be provided with new VA examinations to determine the current severity and manifestations of his lipomas, as well as the nature and etiology of his hearing loss, tinnitus, and any acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding VA treatment records and will consider service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder including anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The Board has determined that the Veteran is not unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected CAD prior to July 19, 2019.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The issues of service connection for PTSD, a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, and GERD with hiatal hernia are remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD was previously rated at 30 percent prior to April 29, 2011 and at 50 percent thereafter. The Board has remanded the case for further development.