PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2016

The Board has ordered the case to be remanded for additional development, including obtaining VET CENTER records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeals were granted, with increased ratings for PTSD and ankle disabilities. The right ear hearing loss was rated as noncompensable, but the effective dates for service connection of diabetic neuropathy in both lower extremities are being remanded.

The Veteran meets the threshold criteria for a TDIU under the percentage standards set forth in 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(a) due to his service-connected disabilities, and the Board finds that the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether the limitations due to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities preclude him from securing or following any form of substantially gainful employment.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and assigned a 40% disability rating, effective from May 28, 2002. The Veteran's claims for residuals of fracture to the left zygomatic arch and left knee tendonitis were denied as not supported by evidence of record.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have PTSD and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied. The remaining issues of entitlement to service connection for hypertension, low back injury, vertigo, and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD are also denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of current disabilities related to these conditions.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and remanded it for further development, including a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, to include on a secondary basis, is denied as there is no current diagnosis of PTSD and the Veteran's psychiatric symptoms are better characterized as an adjustment disorder related to his service-connected transitional cell bladder carcinoma.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claims for service connection for sleep apnea (secondary to PTSD) and right ear hearing loss. The Veteran's erectile dysfunction claim remains denied as there is no physical deformity of the penis with loss of erectile power.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The evidence now shows a current diagnosis of major depression disorder and other mental health conditions that are linked to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder and PTSD have been rated at 30 percent since the initial grant of service connection in March 2010. The Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating, as they are consistent with a 30 percent disability rating under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.

The Veteran's appeal includes issues regarding an increased rating for PTSD with depressive disorder and a TDIU. The Board finds that additional development is necessary, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a new VA examination to evaluate his current PTSD symptoms.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for a 100% rating for PTSD and cognitive impairment due to traumatic brain injury has been withdrawn.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating for this condition. The VA examiner found that the Veteran's symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an increased rating for PTSD before the Board could make a decision.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to the need for a combined effects medical opinion regarding his service-connected disabilities and their impact on his employability.

The Board has determined that the requested development has not been completed and has therefore remanded the case for further action.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation for the period prior to September 15, 2015.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy, colon cancer, and PTSD. The appeal was also denied regarding restoration of service connection for residuals of rib fracture and TDIU.

The case is being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination to determine if the Veteran's psychiatric disorder began during military service or is otherwise related to his active service.