PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2021

The Veteran's claims for an increased disability rating for osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine and a TDIU have been remanded due to incomplete examination findings. Updated VA treatment records are needed, and the Veteran should be scheduled for a VA examination.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU for PTSD and Parkinson's disease, effective from August 26, 2013. A schedular TDIU was granted starting July 9, 2021.

The Veteran's petition to reopen a claim for service connection for a left arm condition is granted. The rating for PTSD remains at 70 percent, and the determination for TDIU is granted. The ratings for degenerative disc disease and herniated nucleus pulposus with left L5 nerve root compression and left lower extremity radiculopathy are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disabilities, previously diagnosed as PTSD and now recharacterized as insomnia with alcohol abuse, are granted at a 70 percent evaluation from August 7, 2017 to December 6, 2017. The effective dates for the partial allowance of these benefits are also granted.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD has been withdrawn, and the Board is dismissing the case.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, right knee and left lower extremity radiculopathy, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on this finding.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board has determined that this rating is not appropriate for any portion of the appeal period.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 70 percent rating effective July 11, 2007, due to occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examination and medical opinion regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. Updated VA treatment records are needed, and a new VA examination is required.

The Veteran's service connection for a back disorder and other disabilities is denied, while his TDIU claim is also denied due to the lack of evidence showing he is unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation in excess of 70 percent for PTSD with Persistent Depressive Disorder from November 5, 2015 was denied. The initial disability evaluation prior to that date was granted at 50 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have not caused the level of impairment required for a disability rating higher than 30 percent prior to November 17, 2018.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, as it did not comply with a previous directive to consider an article submitted in October 2016.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for colitis is granted, and the issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD and unspecified depressive disorder) is remanded.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, is granted service connection. Service connection for vertigo and hypertension are denied due to lack of current disability. Residuals of stroke are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and diabetes-related neuropathies in all four limbs, render him unable to secure and follow a substantial gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding a claimed stressor event, and additional development is needed for the periods of September 15, 1968 through December 31, 1968, and January 1, 1970 through March 19, 1970.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected anxiety disorder, which was undiagnosed PTSD at the time of his discharge from service, contributed to his death due to coronary occlusion. Therefore, the claim for service connection for cause of death is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete record development and need for additional medical opinions. The issues include psychiatric disorders, migraine headaches, muscle spasms of the back and legs (separate from lumbar spine disability), neck disorder, and right ear hearing loss.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was granted in the May 2018 rating decision, which included an increased evaluation for his PTSD. The appellant is eligible to receive agent fees based on past-due benefits awarded in that decision.