PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2021

The Veteran's PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent effective September 10, 2010. Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to service-connected PTSD or residuals of service-connected facial injuries is granted.

The Veteran's left lower extremity peripheral vascular disease was not rated higher than 20% prior to September 22, 2020 and 40% thereafter.,The Veteran's PTSD was not rated higher than 50% prior to September 14, 2020 and 70% thereafter.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's appeal of his service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, is pending in the legacy review system. The VA examiner found that the Veteran’s adjustment disorder was less likely than not incurred in or caused by the claimed in-service injury, event, or illness. Therefore, a new VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any currently present psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher disability rating for PTSD from June 10, 2008 has been withdrawn by his attorney.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss and left ear hearing loss were denied. The claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD prior to February 24, 2020 was also denied. However, the Veteran received a TDIU from April 7, 2014 to February 24, 2020.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD and entitlement to Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for service connection of a left knee disability. The issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD), chloracne, and guttate psoriasis are remanded. Additionally, the issue of TDIU is inextricably intertwined with these issues.

The Veteran's hearing loss was rated at 70 percent effective July 20, 2016. A TDIU was granted from October 24, 2013 to May 8, 2018.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development.,Service connection matters related to bilateral hearing loss, PTSD, neck disorder, lower back disorder, knee disorder, left hip disorder, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, and tremors are also being remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with cognitive and sleep impairment due to Parkinson’s disease has precluded him from securing and following substantially gainful employment since April 21, 2004.,All other appeals have been dismissed as moot.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD was denied, and the claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities was granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder including MDD, PTSD and Personality Disorder due to incomplete information from a previous VA examination.

The Board has denied service connection for residuals of a traumatic brain injury and remanded the issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and depression, as secondary to service-connected tinnitus, and entitlement to special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance or at the housebound rate.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's claimed PTSD. The Veteran is seeking service connection for his acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a medical opinion on whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been denied as there is no current diagnosis of the condition.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss remains at a 10% rating throughout the appeal period.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss is related to service and grants service connection for it. However, the Board has also remanded the issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD) due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unemployable, and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) on an extraschedular basis prior to November 8, 2016 is granted.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional records and information regarding the VA psychologist's credentials.

The Veteran's spouse is not found to be in need of regular aid and attendance due to her disabilities, as she can manage most daily activities with assistance.