PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2021

The Veteran's TDIU and DEA benefits are being remanded for further review, including consideration of whether they should have an earlier effective date based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been rated as noncompensable, and the Board finds that this rating is correct.,The Veteran's PTSD with TBI was previously rated at 50 percent prior to December 9, 2013, and at 70 percent thereafter. The RO must address whether a higher rating is warranted for the period from December 9, 2013, to present, excluding periods of temporary total ratings.,The Veteran's left foot pes planus was previously rated as noncompensable prior to May 18, 2018. The RO must address whether a higher rating is warranted for the period from May 18, 2018, to present.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for PTSD and psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD. The Veteran was previously denied service connection due to lack of a verified stressor.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for bilateral hearing loss was dismissed due to the death of the appellant. The issue remains on appeal as it has been partially granted with an increased rating.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they do not meet the criteria for a 100 percent disability rating.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, MDD and alcohol use disorder. The decision also remanded the issues of service connection for bilateral foot fungus and skin blisters on scrotum, bilateral legs, and bilateral ankles.

The Veteran's PTSD with PDD resulted in occupational and social impairment, warranting a 70 percent evaluation from August 1, 2009 to May 26, 2011.

The Veteran's service connection claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a back disability are denied as the preponderance of evidence does not support these conditions being related to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and thoracolumbar spine disability. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder is remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, a delusional disorder or alcohol use disorder; traumatic brain injury (TBI) residuals; neck disorder and lower back disorder due to unresolved medical evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD, chronic with alcohol abuse, and TBI have been rated at 50% prior to September 26, 2015, and at 70% on and after that date. The appeal is denied as the criteria for a higher rating are not met.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU prior to August 31, 2010 is being remanded due to insufficient evidence meeting the schedular criteria and a referral to VA’s Director of Compensation Service for extraschedular consideration.

The Board has found that there has not been substantial compliance with the remand directives and has therefore ordered additional development for the Veteran's PTSD rating and TDIU claims.

The Veteran's appeal regarding the reopening of a claim for service connection for PTSD has been dismissed due to his death prior to a final decision.

The Veteran was granted a TDIU for the entire period on appeal due to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral pes planus and a traumatic brain injury. The issues of service connection for an acquired psychological disorder other than PTSD, hypertension, and a disability manifesting in dizziness and loss of balance are remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent from December 19, 2019. The claim for a higher rating prior to that date was denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar affective disorder, depression, and PTSD. The evidence does not establish a nexus between these conditions and service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, finding that the probative medical opinion evidence did not support a finding of in-service causation or aggravation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and a heart disability should be remanded due to procedural issues, including failure to provide proper notice regarding personal assault stressors for PTSD and insufficient verification of herbicide agent exposure. The Veteran will need to undergo additional examinations and have his claims reviewed based on new evidence.