PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks, but did not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The TDIU claim was also denied.

The Board denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, finding no evidence that the condition began during active service or was related to an in-service injury.,For PTSD with mood disorder, the Veteran's symptoms were found not severe enough to warrant ratings higher than 30 percent prior to November 9, 2016, and 50 percent from that date.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, but the Board has not yet determined whether they are well-grounded. The claim of type II diabetes mellitus is granted as new and material evidence was received. The claim of bilateral hearing loss is also granted as new and material evidence was received. However, the claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and major depressive disorder), a left ankle disability, and bilateral flat feet are remanded due to insufficient evidence. The claim for residuals of TBI has been reopened and granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment for the appeal period prior to December 2, 2019.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and the need for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and SSA disability benefits records.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder. After considering all evidence of record, the Board finds that there is a reasonable balance of evidence supporting the Veteran's claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD with a depressive disorder, has been granted. The evidence showed that the Veteran experienced personal assault and military sexual trauma during service which led to current mental health issues.

The Board has granted a TDIU effective January 18, 2013, based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction as secondary to his service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise on whether ED is related to PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD due to MST was reopened and remanded. A VA examination is needed to determine if the current PTSD diagnosis is related to the claimed MST incidents.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for a 50% rating for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's symptoms prior to January 17, 2014 did not meet the criteria for occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right knee strain and instability are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board has remanded his claim for an increased rating. His RLE radiculopathy is currently rated at 20 percent since July 31, 2021.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 70 percent rating, effective as of the date of decision. The right knee disability receives a 100 percent rating for one year following total knee replacement surgery on September 30, 2014. An increased rating higher than 30 percent for the service-connected right knee disability post-replacement is denied. A TDIU on an extraschedular basis prior to July 26, 2018 is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in permanent loss of use of one or both hands or feet, nor ankylosis of either knee. Therefore, he does not qualify for financial assistance in the purchase of an automobile or other conveyance with adaptive equipment.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development to verify the Veteran's reported exposure and stressors, as well as to attempt to substantiate service connection claims.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities prior to July 24, 2020. The Veteran needs to provide updated employment and income information to determine if his employment is gainful.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a headache disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, are remanded due to the need for additional development of evidence.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability, specifically PTSD with major depressive disorder and anxious distress, is currently rated at 70 percent. The Board found that the evidence does not support a higher rating or TDIU due to the service-connected psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to April 17, 2018.