PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's initial rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied. The Veteran's hypertension is granted at a 10% rating prior to November 21, 2019 and denied thereafter. The Veteran's sinusitis is denied. The Veteran's acute renal failure is granted at a 30% rating prior to August 16, 2018 and denied thereafter. The Veteran's gout is denied. The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder is denied.

The Board denied a higher initial disability rating for PTSD, finding the severity of symptoms did not warrant a rating in excess of 30 percent.

The Veteran's initial compensable evaluation for a residual scar, left middle low back, status-post gunshot wound (GSW) iliac crest fracture surgery is granted. The issues of entitlement to increased evaluations for PTSD with alcohol use disorder and TDIU are remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD warrants an initial rating of 70 percent for the period prior to November 23, 2020.

The Veteran's TDIU claim for the period beginning December 9, 2020 and thereafter is dismissed as his PTSD rating has now reached 100%. The issue of a TDIU prior to December 9, 2020 is granted.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, was denied as the evidence did not show occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted an increased rating to 70 percent effective May 13, 2013. The Veteran's GERD secondary to PTSD claim is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to unclear information regarding whether PTSD aggravated sleep apnea. A new sleep study is needed, and a VA examination must be conducted to determine if PTSD caused or aggravated sleep apnea.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and major depressive disorder. The issue of entitlement to TDIU is remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the assignment of a disability rating and effective date for an acquired psychiatric disability.

The Board denied service connection for cervical spine disability, hypertension, and folliculitis. The cervical spine disability was not incurred in or related to service. Hypertension is not shown to be caused by service-connected conditions.,Folliculitis was not shown to have been present during service.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 100 percent, effective May 12, 2011. The Board denied entitlement to a higher rating and dismissed the TDIU appeal due to the Veteran's total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, was rated at 30 percent prior to August 12, 2015, but the Board found no evidence of occupational and social impairment warranting a higher rating. The claim for a compensable rating for migraines prior to February 18, 2016 was also denied.,Since August 12, 2015, the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder has been rated at 70 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available under VA regulations. The claim for a compensable rating for migraines prior to February 18, 2016 was also denied.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for PTSD was granted, with an effective date of September 17, 2019. The RO also granted TDIU from the same date.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and a new VA examination.

The Veteran's bilateral foot disorder (pes planus and plantar fasciitis with heel spurs) is granted as service-connected.,PTSD, anxiety disorder, depression, and insomnia disorder are all granted as service-connected.,Joint pain, tinea corporis prior to September 27, 2013, and a higher disability rating for tinea corporis from September 27, 2013 are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the schedular criteria for a TDIU rating. However, there is evidence suggesting he may be unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities, warranting referral for extraschedular consideration.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, finding that the evidence did not support a link between these conditions and service.

The Veteran's symptoms are accounted for by diagnosed conditions, and there is no basis for service connection based on undiagnosed illness or medically unexplained chronic multi-symptom illness.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, and for a rating in excess of 10 percent for traumatic arthritis of the left elbow. The Board found that there was no evidence linking the current psychiatric condition or traumatic arthritis to service.