PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2021

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD, uterine cancer, and a bilateral eye disorder. The decision is based on the lack of evidence showing these conditions are related to service.

The Board has restored the Veteran's TDIU and DEA benefits from January 1, 2019. The decision is based on the clear and convincing evidence that the Veteran was not employed in a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, are found to be related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to obtain substantially gainful employment, and his claim for TDIU is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, depression, and anxiety as there was no evidence to support a link between his current psychiatric disorders and his military service.

The Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis is granted as secondary to his service-connected right knee disability. The rating for PTSD remains at 70 percent.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD as he did not have a current diagnosis of PTSD at the time of his death. The Veteran was previously granted service connection for major depression.

Service connection for tinnitus is dismissed.,Service connection for sciatica as secondary to lumbosacral strain is denied.,The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood, has been reopened.

The Veteran's PTSD with marijuana abuse is granted a 70 percent rating from February 20, 2007. Ratings in excess of 50 percent prior to that date and in excess of 70 percent from that date are denied.

The Board has decided that a remand is necessary to determine the etiology of the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and depressive disorder.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD and for TDIU due to the need for additional VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The VA is instructed to provide a clarifying VA medical opinion that addresses all of the evidence of record.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for information regarding his employment history and whether he worked in a 'sheltered environment' during the appeal period. The AOJ must provide the Veteran with an application form, contact former employers, obtain their responses, and obtain updated VA and private treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral eye disorders, hypertension, and a genitourinary disorder has been dismissed. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD with secondary MDD is rated at 70 percent, effective from May 18, 2016, the date his claim was received. This rating reflects occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's PTSD with TBI is rated at 70 percent from October 24, 2012. The rating was granted as the symptoms have resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with alcohol and drug abuse is currently rated at 70 percent, effective August 7, 2019. The Board finds that VA failed to obtain the Veteran’s updated VA medical records related to his psychiatric disability since November 2020 and remands for these records to be obtained.

The Board has remanded the case due to failure to comply with prior remand instructions and a new VA examination is needed.

The Board has granted a 70 percent rating for PTSD prior to September 25, 2020. The case is remanded for further development regarding the Veteran's TDIU claim and employment history.

The appeal for service connection for PTSD is dismissed. The appeals for sleep apnea, left knee condition, right knee condition, and right hip condition are remanded.