PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's psychiatric symptoms have not been shown to warrant a rating in excess of 50 percent for his acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as PTSD.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, nightmare disorder, and adjustment disorder, is rated at 50 percent since February 4, 2010.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, right rotator cuff tear, tinnitus, diabetes mellitus type 2 with erectile dysfunction, diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and bilateral hearing loss, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since December 4, 2006.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of TDIU is granted, as the evidence shows he was unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities since March 27, 2006.

The Board has decided to remand the case for a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran's claim will be reviewed again after this additional development.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD and dementia, to include a neurocognitive disorder with depression, anxiety and pain syndrome, as secondary to Parkinson's Disease. Service connection for tinnitus is also granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied across multiple issues, including cancer of the left pharyngeal tonsil, ischemic heart disease, bilateral swelling of the feet, headaches, PTSD, fibromyalgia, gastrointestinal disability to include acid reflux, sleeping disorders to include sleep apnea, hypertension, erectile dysfunction, skin disorder (chloracne), bleeding from the nose and mouth, tinnitus, an upper back and/or neck disability, and bilateral hearing loss. The decision does not specify a rating assigned or effective date.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and depression is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent, reflecting occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. The appeal for TDIU was withdrawn prior to the decision.

The Board has remanded the issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to pending appeals for increased evaluations and service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for left wrist fracture residuals, Peyronie's Disease, and urinary incontinence as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities. The claim of entitlement to service connection for depression was reopened due to new evidence received since the last final denial.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a TDIU and a rating of 70 percent, but his diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction remains at 20 percent.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for further development, including obtaining updated VA and private treatment records, securing his VA vocational rehabilitation file, and providing an advisory opinion from a VA Vocational Rehabilitation Division counselor regarding the effect of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected PTSD with alcohol dependence is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and consideration of new evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is granted, with increased ratings for various disabilities and a TDIU. The effective dates are not specified.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as a result of combat stressors during his active duty military service. The Veteran was diagnosed with toe fungus in both feet and peripheral neuropathy in multiple extremities, including those related to herbicide exposure. Service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and depressive disorder with anxiety, are found to be related to an in-service personal assault. The left knee disorder is also service-connected.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including a review by an appropriate VA medical professional to clarify whether the Veteran has separate psychiatric disorders and if so, whether they are caused or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's representative has withdrawn the appeal for a higher initial rating for service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and obstructive sleep apnea is granted, with the latter being secondary to his service-connected PTSD.