PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2016

The Board has determined that an effective date prior to March 16, 2007, for the grant of service connection for PTSD is denied. The Veteran's claim was not received within one year of his separation from active duty and no earlier specific claims were found.

The Board found that there is no evidence of a service-connected psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and denied the Veteran's claim.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since August 21, 2013. The rating is based on the severity of his symptoms and their impact on occupational and social functioning.

The Board denied reopening the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and PTSD. The Veteran did not submit new and material evidence to reopen these claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case for scheduling a videoconference hearing at the Veteran's local RO and sending the hearing notice to his correct address in Birmingham, Alabama.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is being remanded due to conflicting information regarding his employment status and the need to determine if he has been substantially gainfully employed since June 2009. The AOJ will also consider whether a TDIU would be moot during any applicable time period in light of the Veteran's 100 percent combined rating.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at the highest available rating of 70 percent, and he is also entitled to a TDIU.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have PTSD and therefore, service connection for PTSD is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD was found to have resulted in moderate impairment prior to October 9, 2013 and reduced reliability and productivity since then. The current ratings of 30 percent and 50 percent are appropriate.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied in a final November 2007 rating decision. The claim for tinnitus, PTSD, and TBI were all granted with increased ratings.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and verifying military service. The Veteran is also to be scheduled for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have more nearly approximated occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a higher initial 70 percent rating.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently assigned a 50 percent evaluation prior to August 26, 2013 and a 70 percent evaluation following that date. The Board finds the evidence does not support an increased rating for any period.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is necessary to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, depression, and bipolar disorder, as well as his right foot disability. The claims are being remanded for these purposes.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and VA outpatient treatment records. The Veteran will also be provided a VA PTSD examination to assess the severity of his posttraumatic stress disorder.

The Veteran's hepatitis C was found to have been incurred in service, with doubt resolved in his favor. The Board also finds that the Veteran has a current acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) and respiratory disorders (COPD and residuals of pneumonia), which are related to service.

The Veteran's PTSD was evaluated at a 30 percent rating prior to August 30, 2013.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA psychiatric examination and attempts to obtain his VA Vocational Rehabilitation folder.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including scheduling a videoconference hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.