PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2021

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and other acquired psychiatric disorders, finding that there was no evidence of a diagnosis in accordance with VA regulations or credible supporting evidence of an in-service stressor. The Board also found that the Veteran did not meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted a 50 percent rating prior to July 22, 2019 and a 70 percent rating from that date onwards. The Veteran also receives a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD symptoms prior to September 18, 2018 meet the criteria for a higher disability evaluation under DC 9411 and granted an increased rating of 70 percent. The issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability prior to December 16, 2011 is remanded.

The Board dismissed the appeals because the appellant died during the pendency of the appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since the initial grant of service connection in July 2016. The Board has now granted a higher rating to 70 percent, effective from April 2019.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU due to PTSD prior to January 15, 2011. The case is being returned for further development.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have been rated at 70 percent, and he is granted a TDIU. The back disability remains remanded for further examination.

The appeal for service connection for PTSD was dismissed due to the appellant's death.

The Veteran's service-connected migraines, PTSD, and chronic thoracic strain prevent him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment. The Board granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent prior to July 22, 2020. The Board found that the evidence did not show total occupational and social impairment during this period.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to insufficient medical opinions and need for additional examination.

The Veteran's PTSD with Adjustment Disorder is rated at a 70 percent disability rating, but no higher. The decision grants the initial 70 percent rating for PTSD and remands the issue of service connection for hypertension.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied, and the claim to reopen his ischemic heart disease was also denied. The Veteran's skin cancer claim is denied as there is no current diagnosis of skin cancer. His PTSD rating remains at 50 percent.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include depression. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to service.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for right ear hearing loss, right knee disability, nasal problems, sleep apnea, respiratory disability (to include asthma and COPD), right upper extremity ulnar neuropathy, left upper extremity ulnar neuropathy, PTSD, and social anxiety due to conflicting medical opinions and lack of clear and unmistakable aggravation.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include unspecified depressive disorder and PTSD, should be remanded due to incomplete evidence. The case will be returned to VA for further development.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination, treatment records, and employment information.

The Board denied an effective date prior to January 24, 2014 for the award of service connection for PTSD with unspecified neurocognitive disorder as there was no legal authority for such a decision.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including obtaining additional medical records and providing an addendum opinion regarding the cause of death.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and service connection was denied. The claim for PTSD was granted with a rating of 30 percent, but the request for an increase to 50 percent was denied. Service connection for left ear hearing loss was granted, while service connection for right ear hearing loss and chest pain were denied.