PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2021

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for PTSD was denied, and the earlier effective date claim for an increased rating was also denied. The Veteran is currently rated at 70 percent for PTSD with major depressive disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD did not meet the criteria for a higher rating of 70% prior to July 22, 2016. The symptoms were considered to be consistent with a 50% disability rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (CAD and PTSD) have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, warranting a TDIU.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder and earlier effective date for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The issues are related as they may impact each other, so the TDIU claim is deferred until after the psychiatric disorder claim is addressed.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 50% rating for the appeal period prior to June 20, 2019. The decision grants an initial 50% rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was received in July 2013, which is more than one year after his separation from active duty. Therefore, the effective date cannot be earlier than July 26, 2013.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for a 70 percent rating for PTSD and TDIU. The decision is remanded due to factual ascertability issues regarding the increase in disability within one year prior to October 25, 2013.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and TDIU due to insufficient development of evidence regarding the severity, frequency, and duration of his PTSD symptoms. The Veteran is also seeking a TDIU based on marginal employment in a sheltered or protected work environment.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to conflicting diagnoses and unclear pre-service existence of psychiatric conditions. The Veteran's service records do not indicate any preexisting psychological conditions, but there is a significant change in performance after his return from Vietnam.

The Veteran's PTSD, unspecified depressive disorder, and stimulant use disorder are rated at 70 percent prior to January 10, 2014. The Board denied a higher rating due to the severity of his symptoms not warranting a 100 percent rating.,Tension headaches were granted a 10 percent rating effective February 1, 2017 and a 50 percent rating from that date forward.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's improved performance during service corroborates his claimed in-service sexual assault. The VA is instructed to obtain a medical opinion from a VA psychiatrist or psychologist to address this issue.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left ankle disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and anxiety, require further examination and development. The case is being remanded to allow for additional medical opinions and records.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating of 100 percent for PTSD has been granted.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of July 6, 2010 for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits has also been granted.

The Veteran's PTSD prior to February 14, 2020 resulted in occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks.,After February 14, 2020, the Veteran's PTSD caused reduced reliability and productivity with difficulty establishing effective work and social relationships.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate statement of reasons or bases for relying on the October 2012 VA examination, which wrongly believes that schizophrenia is a personality disorder and therefore not eligible for service connection. The claim will be remanded for a new VA examination and opinions.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral pes planus, plantar fasciitis and hallux valgus on an aggravation basis. Service connection for PTSD due to MST is also granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70% effective May 24, 2013. The Board also granted a TDIU prior to October 25, 2016.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have not met the criteria for a higher rating. The thoracolumbar spine disability has been rated at 40 percent since February 4, 2020 and denied any higher ratings. The bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy has been granted initial 20 percent ratings.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss is granted. The claims for service connection for a visual perception disorder, sleep apnea (also claimed as breathing condition), and PTSD are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and a compensable disability rating are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of new evidence.