PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2021

The Board has decided to remand the case due to non-compliance with previous directives, specifically regarding notification and scheduling of a VA examination for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD disability is rated at 70 percent, but the Board found that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The claim for TDIU prior to January 1, 2019, was also denied as the Veteran had been able to maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50% prior to August 9, 2017 and denied for a higher rating. The claim for TDIU based on the same period of time was also denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. Service connection is granted for tinnitus, but the claims for PTSD and bilateral hearing loss are remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has found that the evidence is not sufficient to resolve the Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches, and remanded the case for further development.

The Board denied service connection for a respiratory disability and granted an initial 50 percent rating for PTSD, effective February 17, 2016. The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD and a psychiatric disorder (other than PTSD) are being remanded due to the need for additional development. The claim for an increased disability rating for his left knee is also being remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, left leg scar, and type 2 diabetes mellitus as there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone did not preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation prior to April 25, 2012.

The Veteran's case is being remanded for a vocational rehabilitation evaluation to assess her current limitations and suitability for employment due to her service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is found to be related to his active duty service, and he is granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder including PTSD, depressive disorder, and anxiety. Other issues are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information regarding when the Veteran's entitlement to service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder 'arose'. The RO is instructed to obtain a retrospective medical opinion from a qualified physician to determine this date.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is not accompanied by a penile deformity, and the maximum schedular rating for urinary frequency and incontinence status post radical prostatectomy has been granted.,For PTSD prior to December 9, 2014, the Veteran was rated at 30 percent; since then, he has been rated at 70 percent. The Veteran is not entitled to a higher rating for PTSD.,The Veteran's service-connected PTSD from December 9, 2014, rendered him unable to maintain gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and a shell fragment wound of the left leg with a fracture, have rendered him unable to work since July 2005. The Board has granted his claim for TDIU on an extraschedular basis from July 1, 2005.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has rendered him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment since May 31, 2011.

The Veteran's request for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status is being remanded due to incomplete consideration of additional VA treatment records. The AOJ must consider these records in their first instance.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions and need for further development of evidence, including verification of periods of active duty.

The Veteran's PTSD prior to December 7, 2016 resulted in occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks. The Veteran’s CAD is currently rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection. The Veteran is granted a TDIU from October 11, 2016 due to his PTSD with alcohol dependence. SMC at the housebound rate is also granted from October 11, 2016. The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for diabetes and PTSD are dismissed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric condition (including PTSD and dysthymic disorder) due to a lack of compliance with previous remand directives. The AOJ is instructed to schedule VA examinations and obtain outstanding VA treatment records.