PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for service connection of PTSD, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and right hand was reopened. The Board granted increased ratings for PTSD, diabetes, and peripheral neuropathy conditions. However, some issues were remanded due to lack of evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD and major depressive disorder have been granted a 70 percent initial disability rating prior to October 2, 2019. The TDIU claim for the same period has also been granted.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD was denied, and the TDIU claim is remanded.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain the Veteran's Vet Center records and to ensure that he provides information regarding his employment history for a TDIU claim. The appeal will be remanded to allow these actions.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service-connected PTSD was granted, with the effective date set at September 23, 2008.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, depression, sleep disturbance, and cervical spine disability have been granted. The claim for a cervical spine disability was denied due to lack of evidence linking the condition to service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding PTSD, right knee disability, anxiety, and depression. The Board dismissed the appeal due to the withdrawal.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and schizoaffective disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD rating was restored from 30 to 50 percent effective November 1, 2014.,The Veteran's headaches rating was restored from 0 to 30 percent effective November 1, 2014.

The Board has determined that the appellant is unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation due to service-connected disabilities, specifically PTSD, IVDS, radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity. The criteria for TDIU are met.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been reopened and granted. The Board found that the Veteran had a current diagnosis of PTSD, which is causally related to his in-service stressors.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent prior to July 16, 2019, and at 70 percent thereafter. The Veteran's bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy (median nerve) is rated at 30 percent for the right upper extremity and 20 percent for the left upper extremity. The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity sciatic nerve peripheral neuropathy is rated at 20 percent prior to July 15, 2019, and at 20 percent thereafter.,The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have more closely approximated a 70 percent rating throughout the appeal period due to occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. The Veteran's bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy (median nerve) is rated based on moderate incomplete paralysis of the median nerve bilaterally. The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity sciatic nerve peripheral neuropathy is rated based on moderate incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve bilaterally.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective July 20, 2016. Effective dates for TDIU and DEA benefits are also granted on this date.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete records and requests for additional evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD, right hip disability, and gastrointestinal disability due to incomplete records and need for further examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and Adjustment Disorder with Mixed Anxiety and Depression is reopened, but the claims are remanded due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran's hypertension rating is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's TDIU claim due to lack of substantial compliance with previous directives. The Veteran is asked to complete a TDIU claim form and provide information about his volunteer work as a pastor, including dates and responsibilities. Updated VA treatment records are also requested. The Veteran should be scheduled for examinations by appropriate clinicians to evaluate the impact of his service-connected disabilities on employment.

The Veteran's PTSD, major depressive disorder, and cannabis use disorder are rated at 100% prior to September 12, 2022. Basic eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35 is granted prior to September 12, 2022. The Board has found the VA knee examination report of limited probative value and remanded the issues of service connection for recurrent right and left knee disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD prior to February 10, 2020 and at 70 percent thereafter was denied. The Board found that the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a 70 percent rating due to lack of severe impairment in social functioning or occupational impairment.

The Veteran's TDIU appeal is remanded due to the significant impact of his service-connected PTSD on his ability to maintain employment. The case will be referred to the Director, Compensation Service, for consideration of an extraschedular TDIU.