PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2021

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms were found to be at least as severe from May 28, 2013 through October 13, 2015, warranting a 50 percent rating. However, the symptoms did not meet the criteria for higher ratings prior to and after this period.

The Veteran's PTSD with Major Depression is granted a 70 percent rating prior to December 14, 2010 and from December 14, 2010 to March 18, 2018. Service connection for Peyronie's disease and Left knee disability are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his lumbar spine condition and lower extremity radiculopathies, have resulted in a loss of use of both lower extremities. The Board has determined that the Veteran is eligible for specially adapted housing due to these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a back disability has been dismissed. The claim for an increased rating of PTSD prior to June 19, 2020 is granted with a rating of 70 percent. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability was granted for the period prior to June 19, 2020.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for respiratory disability/allergic rhinitis and fatigue have been reopened.,Service connection is granted for fibromyalgia, PTSD, depressive disorder (secondary to PTSD and chronic sinusitis), sleep apnea, and allergic rhinitis.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted service connection, as is his PTSD with an initial rating of 50 percent. The low back disability issue has been remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is secondary to his service-connected TBI and PTSD.

The Board denied service connection for seizure disorder, claustrophobia (previously claimed as a nervous condition), major depressive disorder, and PTSD. The evidence did not support the Veteran's claims that these conditions were related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disability, diagnosed as schizoaffective disorder, was incurred during his military service. The Veteran served on active duty from May 1951 to May 1953 and reported experiencing traumatic events while serving in Germany.

The Board has expanded the Veteran's PTSD claim to include an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and anxiety. The claims for cataracts in both eyes and a lower back disability are remanded due to need for further development.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD was denied. The Board remanded the issue due to insufficient evidence and further development is required.

The Board has granted service connection for substance abuse as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD, finding that her current substance use is aggravated by her PTSD.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, finding that he does not meet the criteria for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD, depression, anxiety) and tinnitus was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability related to service. The Board found that the Veteran's personality disorders and substance abuse disorders are not related to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral wrist arthritis is denied as there is no diagnosed wrist arthritis during the appeal period.,The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent prior to December 21, 2015 and increased to 70 percent beginning from that date.

The Veteran's appeal is for increased ratings and TDIU prior to April 5, 2017. The Board has remanded both issues due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for vertigo, but withdrawn the appeals for unspecified depressive disorder and PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 70 percent disability rating, effective from the date of this decision.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, alcohol abuse disorder, anxiety disorder, gout, back disorder, and neck disorder are all denied as there is no evidence of in-service injury or disease related to these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, and the Board has remanded for further development regarding his lumbar or thoracic spine disability.