PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for anxiety disorder and PTSD, as a progression of anxiety disorder with TBI, were denied. The Board found that the symptoms did not warrant a rating higher than 30 percent for anxiety disorder prior to July 9, 2019, and a rating higher than 70 percent thereafter.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression is currently rated at 70 percent, which is the maximum rating available under the applicable diagnostic code. The Board denied entitlement to a higher disability rating for PTSD with depression and also denied entitlement to TDIU prior to March 20, 2013.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50% from October 9, 2015 to November 19, 2020. A rating in excess of 70% for PTSD is denied. The case regarding the respiratory disorder and TDIU (Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability) due to service-connected disabilities is remanded.

The Veteran's TBI claim is being remanded due to insufficient detail in the VA examinations regarding symptoms unique to the TBI. The TDIU claim is also being remanded as it is intertwined with the TBI claim.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings for PTSD with Major Depressive Disorder was denied. The Board found that the disability did not warrant a rating in excess of 70 percent due to occupational and social impairment, but not total. Other service connection claims were remanded.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for PTSD and tinnitus due to new medical evidence. The case is being remanded for further examination and opinion regarding the etiology of PTSD.

The Board denied service connection for chronic bronchitis, sinusitis, and headaches. The Veteran's PTSD was also denied an increased rating prior to June 25, 2018.,Service connection was not established for any of the conditions due to lack of current diagnoses or evidence linking them to service.

The Board has granted service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Unspecified Anxiety Disorder, both of which are related to the Veteran's fear of hostile military or terrorist activity during his service in Kuwait.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 30 percent rating prior to October 12, 2017 and granted an increased rating to 30 percent effective from that date. The appeal for higher ratings was denied.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was granted with an effective date of June 24, 1991. The Board found that the Veteran's original claim was received within one year following his separation from service and thus the proper effective date is the day following separation from active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including fibromyalgia, PTSD, migraines, bilateral shoulder impingement syndrome, coccydynia, and rhomboid muscle strain with bilateral trapezius muscle strain, have rendered her unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The decision grants a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated as 70 percent disabling from November 20, 2013. The Board denied entitlement to higher ratings for the period prior to that date.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to conflicting medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is caused by or aggravated by his PTSD. The case will be sent back for further development and an opinion from a pulmonologist.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent prior to July 13, 2020. A 70 percent rating is granted for PTSD beginning on that date.,PTSD symptoms caused occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is denied as his service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable, despite the severity of his conditions and multiple job losses.

The Veteran is seeking an earlier effective date for a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) based on service-connected conditions. The Board has determined that the claim must be remanded for extraschedular referral to the Director of Compensation Service.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU from March 1, 2010 due to service-connected disabilities. The matter of entitlement to a TDIU prior to March 1, 2010 is remanded for further review.

The Veteran's appeal for increased evaluations of his service-connected psychiatric disabilities, residuals of a TBI, and headaches is remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and schizophrenia, finding that there was no evidence of a disease or injury incurred in or aggravated by active duty.

The Veteran's TBI, left upper extremity neurologic impairment as secondary to service-connected cervical spine degenerative disc disease, headaches, and PTSD have been granted. The Veteran is being remanded for further examinations to determine appropriate ratings.