PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2012

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, the maximum schedular rating available. The Board has also granted entitlement to a TDIU based on service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection and TDIU were denied. The Board found that the criteria for an effective date prior to September 25, 1996, for bilateral hearing loss and prior to January 18, 1994, for TDIU have not been met.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent prior to December 6, 2006 and granted a rating of 70 percent from that date onward.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD and diabetes mellitus were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher rating during the periods specified.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, left hand Raynaud's syndrome, a left hand scar, and a left hand gun wound, meet the schedular percentage criteria for TDIU. The Board finds an approximate balance of favorable and unfavorable evidence in favor of the Veteran's claim, granting TDIU.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for additional development, including a VA examination to determine if his PTSD is related to an in-service personal assault and sexual assault.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied as his service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's LEMS was not service-connected, and his claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 based on VA's failure to timely diagnose and properly treat LEMS was also denied.

The Veteran seeks service connection for various conditions, including a right thumb fracture and eye disorders. The Board finds that additional examinations are needed to assess these claims due to the lack of recent medical evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to the RO for further development, including scheduling a VA examination and ensuring all requested development has been completed. The Veteran will be notified of any untimely substantive appeals.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was granted with an effective date of May 18, 2008. This decision is based on new evidence submitted after the initial denial in March 2000.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hearing loss was denied as there is no evidence of a hearing loss disability for VA purposes. The effective date for the grant of service connection for tinnitus remains November 30, 2007.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent prior to February 19, 2008 and increased to 70 percent from April 1, 2008. The rating is granted for the latter period.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA examination and opinion regarding his acquired psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD. The stressors are being evaluated in light of recent regulations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for additional development due to missing medical records from the Fort Worth OPC and Austin Division of the Central Texas VA medical system. The case will be readjudicated after these records are obtained.

The Board has determined that additional evidence received after the last SSOC was issued in November 2010 is relevant to the Veteran's claim for an increased rating of his service-connected PTSD. Therefore, a remand is required for issuance of an SSOC and consideration of this new evidence. The AOJ must also seek all pertinent treatment records from the Grand Rapids Vet Center and consider whether entitlement to TDIU should be considered as part of the readjudication of the Veteran's increased rating claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD and panic disorder with depression, were incurred in active service due to military sexual trauma.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions and records. The focus is on his claimed acquired psychiatric disorder, chronic feet disability, and hives.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and consideration of his claims for service connection for PTSD and hepatitis C infection.

The Veteran's PTSD causes occupational and social impairment, with deficiencies in most areas, but does not result in total occupational and social impairment. A 70 percent rating for PTSD is granted from June 1, 2008 forward.