PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2021

The Veteran's PTSD was initially rated at 30 percent prior to September 4, 2018 and then increased to 70 percent effective November 20, 2020. The Board found the evidence did not support a higher rating for any period.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration, including obtaining VA treatment records, scheduling a gout examination, and determining whether the Veteran's October 2004 correspondence constituted a valid Notice of Disagreement.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and prostate cancer residuals are currently rated at the maximum disability ratings, but he is granted a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal regarding an effective date prior to September 9, 2020 for the award of service connection for PTSD with alcohol-induced dementia was granted. The issue will be addressed in an AOJ rating decision.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a failure to verify the Veteran's reported stressors, which constitutes a pre-decisional duty to assist error. The Veteran needs to be contacted for clarification and additional details regarding their stressor events.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral eye condition and erectile dysfunction was denied. The Veteran's claim for an initial rating of 100 percent for his acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD with Bipolar disorder) was granted.

The Veteran's PTSD, major depressive disorder, and TBI are found to have originated during active service due to military sexual trauma. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's sinus headaches are being remanded for further evaluation. The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for allergic rhinitis, status post septoplasty, and denied higher ratings. TDIU is granted beginning April 6, 2012.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board has determined that this rating is appropriate based on his symptoms of occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder is granted a 70% disability rating, and service connection for individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to June 6, 2016 is granted. The compensable rating for malaria is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,A 10 percent disability rating for an epidermal cyst prior to April 23, 2019 has been granted.,A disability rating in excess of 10 percent for residual status post epidermal cyst excision scar is denied.,The Veteran's lichen simplex chronicus was rated as noncompensable before October 15, 2020 and at 10 percent thereafter. The claim for a higher rating remains pending.,TDIU has been denied based on the evidence not showing total occupational and social impairment due to service-connected disabilities.,Left shoulder degenerative arthritis with impingement syndrome and partial rotator cuff tear is rated at 20 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,Left knee degenerative arthritis remains rated at 10 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis is related to an in-service training accident where he experienced a near drowning incident. The decision resolves reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for a 70% disability rating for PTSD is denied. The claim for a higher disability rating and TDIU remains denied.

The Veteran is granted service connection for PTSD effective from December 22, 2016. The Board found that the Veteran was entitled to this benefit as of that date due to continuous pursuit of his claim.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings and TDIU was granted, resulting in past-due benefits. The appellant is eligible to attorney fees based on this grant of benefits.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted with a 50 percent evaluation, while the right shoulder disorder remains at 30 percent. The case is remanded for further examination of the right shoulder.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD is denied. The evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD is denied. The evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has granted service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) due to a verified in-service stressor, resolving all reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor.

The Veteran's fibromyalgia is granted as secondary to her service-connected PTSD. Her PTSD rating remains at 50 percent, and the issue of TDIU has been dismissed due to mootness.