PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2013

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital on June 6, 2009 is denied as the treatment did not meet the criteria for emergency services and no VA facility was feasibly available.

The Veteran's tinnitus was incurred during active service. The Board has granted the claim for service connection for tinnitus.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for coronary artery disease is denied as there is no current diagnosis of the condition. The claims for increased ratings for PTSD and hypertension are remanded due to a need for updated VA examinations.

The Veteran's PTSD is service-connected due to his active duty in the Southwest Asia theater of operations during Operation Desert Storm. His symptoms are related to his diagnosed PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded to obtain additional medical records and to schedule the Veteran for VA examinations.,The Veteran reported having various disabilities, including foot problems, sinus issues, back pain, head injuries, hand/elbow/arm pain, shoulder problems, psychiatric conditions, and a heart condition. The Board will review these claims in light of all available evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since June 25, 2010, reflecting total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a new examination and consideration of all relevant records.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including a new examination to assess the severity of his service-connected PTSD and consideration of any newly raised issues.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased disability evaluations for degenerative joint disease of the right shoulder and cervical spine with disc herniation prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran requested withdrawal of his appeal for the issues regarding whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen claims for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, and right ear hearing loss. As a result, these issues are dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date of November 17, 2006 for a TDIU rating has been dismissed as the benefit requested has been granted.

The Veteran's PTSD and major depressive disorder have resulted in significant impairment, leading to a disability evaluation of 70 percent prior to July 20, 2006.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted, but the rating is still under review. The TDIU claim is also pending and will be reviewed after additional development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for additional development, including a VA examination and consideration of whether referral for extraschedular TDIU benefits is warranted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess his ability to work due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left kidney disorders, as well as his claim for service connection for hemorrhoids have been withdrawn. The Board has determined that the Veteran no longer wishes to pursue these claims.,Service connection for hypertension was denied because there is insufficient evidence linking it to service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased initial rating and earlier effective date for PTSD was granted. The claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss is reopened, but the issue remains pending as it has not been decided by VA.

The Veteran's PTSD was initially rated at 30 percent prior to June 29, 2011. He is now entitled to a rating of 70 percent for his PTSD as of June 29, 2011.,He has been granted increased ratings for his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining service treatment records and post-service medical records. The Veteran will be provided with VA examinations to determine if he has a psychiatric disorder, diabetes, hypertension, or heart disorder related to his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a 70% rating from November 3, 2011 to May 3, 2012.