PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent prior to May 30, 2018 and from June 1, 2020 onward, and denied for a higher rating. The appeal regarding the period from May 30, 2018 to May 31, 2020 is also denied.

The Board has denied service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and has remanded the issues of service connection for a cervical spine disability, left arm radiculopathy secondary to a cervical spine disability, low back disability, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and depression.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity prior to October 12, 2020. From that date, the evidence shows a more severe level of impairment warranting a 70 percent rating.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent prior to December 8, 2021 and increased to 70 percent thereafter. The appeal is mixed as some issues were granted (PTSD rating) while others are still pending.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for PTSD prior to September 27, 2018 and since that date has been denied. The Board found the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 50 percent or 70 percent at any time during the appeal period.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete VA examinations and failure to verify his reported stressors. The matter will be returned for further action.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and evaluation due to incomplete records, lack of medical opinions on all claimed stressors, and need for additional examination.

The Board has granted an effective date of January 21, 2014, for the award of a 100% disability rating for PTSD. The Veteran's request for entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is dismissed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral pes planus was granted with an effective date of March 19, 2001.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied due to lack of evidence of a combat stressor.

The Veteran's petition to reopen the claim for service connection for a skin disability of the hands was granted. An initial higher rating of at least 70 percent for PTSD is granted, and service connection for tinnitus is also granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable throughout the entire appeal period, as he has been working part-time or full-time during this time.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for flat feet, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and MDD), bilateral hearing loss, and irritable colon syndrome has been granted. The case is remanded for additional development.

The Board has granted a 50 percent rating for PTSD prior to August 19, 2019. The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated as 50 percent disabling and the appeal for higher ratings is denied. The claim for TDIU was denied due to the Veteran not submitting a completed VA Form 21-8940.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, tinnitus, right foot hallux valgus, dermatophytosis, and per planus, preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted entitlement to total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities cause significant incapacity that requires regular aid and attendance. The Board granted SMC A&A, a greater benefit than SMC(s)(1), which is now moot.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for PTSD with major depressive disorder and anxiety is denied. The Board finds the current rating of 70 percent for PTSD is appropriate, but remands to obtain a new VA examination to assess the severity of his PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence received after a final decision, and will consider all psychiatric disorders including PTSD related to service. The Veteran's substance abuse disorder is also being evaluated.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, including PTSD, depression, and/or anxiety. The Veteran needs a VA examination to determine if his conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and multiple physical conditions, rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation from August 14, 2014 to April 5, 2018. The Board granted the TDIU claim based on these findings.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD is denied. The claims of service connection for a low back disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and an acquired psychiatric disorder are granted.