PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2021

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD was denied by the Board, as his psychiatric symptomatology more nearly approximated occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than August 21, 2019 for service-connected PTSD was granted. The Veteran also received a rating increase to 30 percent for his PTSD from August 21, 2019.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 100 percent effective October 14, 2019. The Board also granted entitlement to TDIU due to service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal of the September 14, 2017 rating decision is granted as his December 2018 VA Form 9 was timely filed. The Board found that the July 2018 SOC was not properly provided to the Veteran and his attorney, leading to a delay in the response period for the appeal.

The Veteran's OSA is service connected as it was caused by his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a lumbar spine disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology. The Veteran is requested to provide additional records and undergo VA examinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that there was no credible corroborating evidence of a verified stressor and concluding that the Veteran did not have a current diagnosis of PTSD.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection and rating determinations related to testicular cancer, peripheral neuropathy, PTSD, and TDIU prior to November 17, 2016. The decision was made due to a withdrawal of the appeal by the Veteran through his attorney.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining Vet Center treatment records and a VA examination. The claims of service connection for PTSD, TDIU, heart disorder, and stroke are also remanded.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of a back disability, tinnitus, headaches, PTSD, and major depressive disorder as they have already been granted in prior rating decisions.,Major depressive disorder is now granted subject to the laws and regulations governing the award of monetary benefits.

The Board has vacated the April 14, 2020 decision denying TDIU benefits due to failure to defer a decision on the issue until OSA was assigned a disability rating. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment throughout the period on appeal.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD is granted, and the issue of a rating in excess of 30 percent for anxiety disorder is remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for PTSD, lumbar spine disability, and headaches due to insufficient evidence regarding diagnoses and etiology.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on aid and attendance or housebound status is being remanded due to incomplete information provided by the Veteran regarding his income, expenses, and net worth. The Board requires additional forms from the Veteran to ensure proper evaluation of his eligibility.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations to determine the current severity of his service-connected right hip, left ankle, right knee, and lumbar spine disabilities. The initial rating for PTSD remains denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent from July 18, 2012 to August 21, 2012 and the rating remains granted.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder is granted a 70 percent rating prior to November 12, 2014 and denied any higher ratings. A TDIU is also granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, the maximum schedular rating available. The evidence does not show that his PTSD results in total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, back condition, and right ankle condition were all denied. The claim for bilateral hearing loss was also denied.

The Board has remanded the claim for hypertension due to service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II and/or acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) as well as exposure to herbicide agents. The Veteran's current hypertension is being reviewed by a VA examiner who will provide an opinion on its relationship to these conditions.