PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2021

The Veteran's claims for increased rating of low back strain, service connection for bilateral knee disability and acquired psychiatric disability are remanded due to failure to appear for VA examinations. A new examination is needed to determine the current severity of his service-connected low back strain, nature and etiology of any diagnosed right and/or left knee disabilities, and whether any acquired psychiatric conditions are related to service or service-connected disabilities.

The Board has already determined that the Veteran is entitled to a higher rating for PTSD since May 19, 2017. The appeal for an earlier effective date is dismissed.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted a 70% rating for the period prior to March 1, 2021. The claim for TDIU and service connection for hypertension, cervical spine disorder, left upper extremity disorders, right upper extremity disorders, left knee disorder, right knee disorder, and migraine headaches are all denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of PTSD, left-hand disorder, and back disorder are remanded due to incomplete development. The effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD is fixed in accordance with the facts found, but shall not be earlier than May 30, 2012.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms were more nearly approximated by a 50 percent rating prior to August 1, 2017. A higher rating was denied for the period before November 1, 2019.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated as 50 percent disabled prior to August 9, 2021, and 70 percent disabled thereafter. The Board found that an increased rating exceeding these percentages was not warranted during any period on appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 70 percent disability rating from February 28, 2011 to August 29, 2021. A higher rating of 100 percent for the entire period on appeal is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA examination, and a new examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders are related to his service in Vietnam.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder. The AOJ is instructed to verify a claimed in-service stressor and seek an addendum opinion from the examiner who provided the August 2021 VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine if the Veteran is entitled to special monthly compensation (SMC) based on housebound status due to his service-connected conditions, including cervical radiculopathy.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms did not meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 50 percent prior to May 16, 2019 and in excess of 70 percent from May 16, 2019 to April 17, 2020.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II and PTSD have been granted service connection. However, the Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for ischemic heart disease is remanded. The TDIU claim is also remanded.,Service connection has been established for diabetes mellitus type II and PTSD. The Veteran's ischemic heart disease remains at a non-compensable rating, and the issue of entitlement to TDIU is pending.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU on an extraschedular basis prior to October 28, 2019 is being remanded due to the need for referral to the Director of Compensation Service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, primarily his coronary artery disease and PTSD, do not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus do not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

An effective date of June 10, 2018 is granted for the grant of a 70 percent rating for PTSD, previously rated as adjustment disorder with disturbance of emotions and conduct.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for his service-connected anxiety disorder is being remanded to allow the AOJ to consider if a rating higher than 30 percent was warranted from August 28, 2018 through June 14, 2020 and whether he should be granted a rating in excess of 50 percent from June 15, 2020 through July 14, 2020.

The Veteran's PTSD, with associated depression and substance abuse disorders is found to be related to his service. Service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was denied in November 2012 and August 2016. The Board found no effective date prior to January 14, 2013, is warranted as the initial award of service connection was based on a new claim filed on January 14, 2013.