PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2021

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, which represents the highest rating available under the General Rating Formula for Psychiatric Disabilities. The Board found that his symptoms most closely approximated occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability without occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board denied an increased rating for PTSD prior to May 14, 2018 and granted a 70% rating thereafter. The January 2021 AOJ decision implementing this was not appealable as it did not address the merits of the December 2020 Board decision.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance due to his inability to perform daily activities such as feeding, dressing, bathing, and attending to personal hygiene needs. The Board has granted special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, and the Board found that his symptoms did not more closely approximate a higher rating.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable, and the claim for a higher rating is denied.,The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is currently rated at 30 percent, and the claim for an increased rating to 60 percent is denied.,The Veteran's posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is currently rated at 50 percent, but he contends that a higher rating of 100 percent is warranted.

The Veteran's PTSD prior to March 7, 2013 did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 50 percent. From May 1, 2013, his PTSD warranted a 70 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 70 percent, as they were consistent with a 30%, 50%, and 70% disability rating. The Board found that his symptoms more closely approximated those associated with a 70% rating.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of November 28, 2017 for the grant of a 70 percent evaluation for PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including adjustment disorder, depression, and PTSD due to MST is being remanded as the VA examiner did not consider all of her treatment records in determining that her conditions are less likely caused by service.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination. The Veteran's claims of service connection for depression, gastrointestinal disability (GERD), and skin disability are pending.

The Veteran's service connection claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a low back disability have been remanded due to insufficient evidence. The Board found that the current psychiatric disorder is not related to service, while the low back disability requires further examination.

The Board has dismissed the appeals regarding tinnitus, posttraumatic stress disorder, and bilateral hearing loss as they are not related to service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD and diabetes mellitus have been dismissed. The issues of service connection for erectile dysfunction, peripheral neuropathy of the right leg and foot, and TDIU prior to February 28, 2018 are remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD, back disability, LLE sciatic nerve radiculopathy, and LLE femoral nerve radiculopathy are all denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for higher ratings.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected PTSD caused or aggravated his OSA. The VA needs to obtain an addendum opinion from a qualified medical professional.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding his functional impairment associated with his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, pseudoseizures, obstructive sleep apnea, and right ankle disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and anxiety, is related to his service, specifically loading and unloading bodies onto aircrafts. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has decided to remand the case for a rating greater than 30 percent for PTSD with ADHD, based on all evidence of record including a March 2020 VA contract psychiatric examination report.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim to obtain an additional etiological opinion addressing the relationship between his service-connected PTSD and OSA, as well as any incremental increase in disability due to PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions reasonably precluded gainful employment prior to August 2, 2016. An effective date prior to this date for the award of a TDIU is granted.