PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2021

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of his right knee, PTSD and alcohol abuse, episodic, GERD, cervical spine spondylosis, and degenerative arthritis of the thoracic spine disabilities are being remanded due to inadequate development. The Veteran will be scheduled for examinations to assess the current severity of these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression and alcohol use disorder is rated at 70 percent since March 20, 2006. The Board also granted a TDIU from September 15, 2011 to July 29, 2010.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have been rated at 50 percent since June 13, 2011. The Board found the severity of his symptoms more closely approximated a 50 percent rating during the period on appeal. However, TDIU was denied as the Veteran did not meet the schedular requirements for consideration.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete certification of her service treatment records and need for additional development, including VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD, secondary to personal assault, has been dismissed as the appellant requested withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has found not substantial compliance with the October 2018 remand directives and has ordered a remand for further development to address the Veteran's claims of increased PTSD ratings and TDIU.

The Veteran's initial rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied. The Veteran's hypertension is granted at a 10% rating prior to November 21, 2019 and denied thereafter. The Veteran's sinusitis is denied. The Veteran's acute renal failure is granted at a 30% rating prior to August 16, 2018 and denied thereafter. The Veteran's gout is denied. The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder is denied.

The Board denied a higher initial disability rating for PTSD, finding the severity of symptoms did not warrant a rating in excess of 30 percent.

The Veteran's initial compensable evaluation for a residual scar, left middle low back, status-post gunshot wound (GSW) iliac crest fracture surgery is granted. The issues of entitlement to increased evaluations for PTSD with alcohol use disorder and TDIU are remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD warrants an initial rating of 70 percent for the period prior to November 23, 2020.

The Veteran's TDIU claim for the period beginning December 9, 2020 and thereafter is dismissed as his PTSD rating has now reached 100%. The issue of a TDIU prior to December 9, 2020 is granted.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, was denied as the evidence did not show occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted an increased rating to 70 percent effective May 13, 2013. The Veteran's GERD secondary to PTSD claim is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to unclear information regarding whether PTSD aggravated sleep apnea. A new sleep study is needed, and a VA examination must be conducted to determine if PTSD caused or aggravated sleep apnea.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and major depressive disorder. The issue of entitlement to TDIU is remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the assignment of a disability rating and effective date for an acquired psychiatric disability.

The Board denied service connection for cervical spine disability, hypertension, and folliculitis. The cervical spine disability was not incurred in or related to service. Hypertension is not shown to be caused by service-connected conditions.,Folliculitis was not shown to have been present during service.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 100 percent, effective May 12, 2011. The Board denied entitlement to a higher rating and dismissed the TDIU appeal due to the Veteran's total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, was rated at 30 percent prior to August 12, 2015, but the Board found no evidence of occupational and social impairment warranting a higher rating. The claim for a compensable rating for migraines prior to February 18, 2016 was also denied.,Since August 12, 2015, the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder has been rated at 70 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available under VA regulations. The claim for a compensable rating for migraines prior to February 18, 2016 was also denied.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for PTSD was granted, with an effective date of September 17, 2019. The RO also granted TDIU from the same date.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and a new VA examination.