PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2021

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a failure to address the Veteran's allegation that his records were archived on microfiche and could be retrieved. The RO must obtain relevant medical records, including those from August 2000 follow-up treatment and January 2001 medication increase.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and other mental health conditions, is related to his service. The decision grants service connection for these disorders.

The Veteran's tinnitus, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction are currently rated based on their severity. The PTSD claim is being remanded for further evaluation.,The Veteran’s hypertension has not met the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic code. His erectile dysfunction does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating. The PTSD claim requires additional evidence to determine if it warrants an increased rating.,Service connection for hepatitis, agoraphobia, and sleep disturbance was denied in previous decisions that were not appealed. Service connection for hearing loss, anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, low back disability, kidney disease, ear disability, and compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 are being reopened.,The Veteran's spouse’s need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment due to occupational impairment, and the Board grants a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities. A rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD with depression is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examination and lack of specific information regarding the Veteran's claimed in-service stressors. The Veteran must provide more details about his alleged stressors, and a new VA examination is needed to determine if any current acquired psychiatric disorders are related to service.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD is granted as the evidence shows a current diagnosis of PTSD related to his active duty service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional examinations and to obtain outstanding treatment records. The issues include service connection for flat feet, residuals of left inguinal hernia repair, residuals of right inguinal hernia repair, great toe disabilities, PTSD, lumbar strain, hypertension, and hiatal hernia with reflux.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating, and his TDIU claim is also denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 50 percent disability rating prior to December 18, 2018. After that date, the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has decided to remand the DIC claim due to the need for additional records and an expert medical opinion regarding whether PTSD contributed to the Veteran's death.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance or housebound status, as his service-connected disabilities do not render him in need of such benefits. The Board also noted that the Veteran has been awarded total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU), solely due to PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted an initial increased rating of 70 percent, effective from April 7, 2008 to February 10, 2016. The claim for a higher disability rating is denied thereafter. Additionally, the Veteran was granted entitlement to Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected PTSD effective September 15, 2011.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD due to MST, unspecified anxiety disorder, adjustment disorder, and depressive disorder. The Veteran's claims were based on her allegations of sexual harassment during active duty.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50% prior to June 8, 2020, and increased to 70% from June 8, 2020, through November 9, 2020. On and after November 9, 2020, the Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70%. The rating of 70% has been granted.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD has been granted, and secondary service connection for osteomyelitis is also granted. The case of the compensable rating for pilonidal cyst and sinuses is remanded.

The Veteran's TDIU is granted for the period beginning on May 24, 2006. The Board has also remanded his claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected lumbar spine degenerative disc disease.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for right ankle, right hip, bilateral shin splints, psychiatric disorder (other than PTSD), left leg, and left foot disabilities due to unresolved development needs.

The Board has found that there may be outstanding treatment records, both VA and private, pertinent to the adjudication of the claims on appeal. The Veteran's PTSD rating is remanded for obtaining these records.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus, type II and higher initial ratings for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The Veteran's death made these issues moot.