PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Board remands the claims for service connection for various conditions, including a left shoulder condition, cervicalgia, neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities, vision loss/diplopia, nodules on vocal chords, sleep apnea, ischemic heart disease, chronic diarrhea, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), skin tags of arms and thighs, and an acquired psychiatric disorder, to allow for further development and consideration of additional evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted at a 70 percent evaluation prior to November 6, 2020. The issue of entitlement to TDIU on or after November 6, 2020, is moot.

The Veteran's PTSD was not found to warrant a rating in excess of 30 percent prior to September 30, 2019 due to the severity and frequency of his symptoms.

The Board denied an initial rating higher than 70 percent for service-connected PTSD but granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) effective October 1, 2014.

The Board granted service connection for a low back disability and left knee strain, but dismissed the appeal for PTSD. The Veteran's TDIU claim was remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD with Depressive Reaction and Depression is rated at 70 percent since October 1, 1980. The right lower extremity radiculopathy is rated at 40 percent from August 30, 2011 to April 21, 2020, while the left lower extremity radiculopathy is rated at 20 percent during the same period.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted a 100 percent disability rating since December 10, 2015, and special monthly compensation for the need of regular aid and attendance is also granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow a substantial gainful occupation, granting his claim for TDIU.

The Board remands the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and major depressive disorder, due to insufficient evidence regarding a verified in-service stressor.

The Veteran is seeking earlier effective dates for the grant of service connection for PTSD and TDIU. The Board has determined that remand is necessary to obtain VA treatment records prior to June 11, 2015 relevant to his claim for PTSD. Additionally, he must provide evidence of his employment history and earnings since discharge from service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical examination and retrospective opinion regarding the Veteran's PTSD severity.

The Veteran is seeking a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to September 23, 2013.,Since September 23, 2013, the Veteran has been found eligible for TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board remands the Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to schedule him for an examination and obtain private treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent prior to November 10, 2020, and the Board finds that this rating is appropriate based on her symptoms of occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board denied an effective date earlier than January 24, 2012 for the grant of service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's appeals for a higher rating for unspecified depressive disorder and service connection for PTSD have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of these appeals prior to the Board's decision.

The Board has determined that further development is needed for the claims of service connection for a lumbar spine, cervical spine, and psychiatric disability. The appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions.

The Board granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, to include as due to exposure to herbicides, and remanded the claims for service connection for hypertension and a skin condition.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms before June 25, 2018 did not meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 70 percent.,From September 5, 2006 to June 24, 2018, the Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for PTSD and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, as well as his claim for TDIU due to outstanding VA treatment records. The Veteran is also required to complete a Veterans Application for Increased Compensation Based on Unemployability (VA Form 21-8940).