PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2015

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling a VA PTSD examination.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher initial rating for PTSD was dismissed due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal prior to the Board's decision.

The Veteran is granted a rating of 50 percent for PTSD prior to August 6, 2013, and his claim for TDIU remains pending.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a PTSD examination. The issues of increased rating for PTSD and TDIU are also being remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, and hearing loss, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's chronic adjustment disorder is at least as likely as not related to his 2009 military deployment. The Board finds that the Veteran does not have PTSD, but service connection for a chronic adjustment disorder is granted.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of his service-connected PTSD remains before the Board. The RO granted service connection and assigned a 30 percent disability rating, which was later increased to 50 percent effective as of the date of the Veteran's claim. However, the Veteran is seeking a higher initial disability rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the failure of his hearing request, and he needs a new hearing scheduled at the earliest opportunity.

The Veteran's combined rating of 80 percent for PTSD and irritable bowel syndrome did not preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment prior to July 11, 2012. Since then, his service-connected irritable bowel syndrome alone does not prevent him from obtaining and maintaining such employment.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since October 31, 2005 and is productive of total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for gastritis and pancreatitis, as well as granted service connection for PTSD. The Veteran's current diagnoses of gastritis, pancreatitis, and PTSD are related to in-service stressors.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's case for further development, including obtaining medical records from the San Diego VA Medical Center and the County of San Diego. The appeal will be considered again after these records are obtained.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unemployable, and the Board has granted a TDIU rating.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation in excess of 30 percent for residuals of TBI, including vertigo, oscillopsia, abnormal gait, and status post repair of perilymph fistulas was denied by the Board.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent effective June 21, 2005, and he was granted TDIU prior to that date.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70% disabling, his Meniere's Disease and related conditions are service-connected, and he is granted a TDIU. The reduction in back disability evaluation from 20% to 10% is upheld.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to new and relevant medical evidence received since the last Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC). The Veteran's claims include service connection for various orthopedic, psychiatric, and skin conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to reassess the severity of his PTSD, and additional treatment records should be obtained.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD). The claim for a compensable initial rating for his service-connected right leg scar is also denied. The claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for residuals of a lymph node simple biopsy remains pending.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment, resulting in a TDIU rating.