PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating due to the severity of his symptoms.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of July 1, 1998 for service connection of PTSD was denied as the earliest date entitlement arose is October 8, 2009.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings for PTSD and bilateral hearing loss was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a compensable rating for his bilateral hearing loss, and he is not entitled to TDIU prior to November 14, 2012.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his psychiatric disability (PTSD), hypertension, and service connection for low back and cervical spine disabilities. The decision also addressed a claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities prior to May 9, 2014, but did not address the specific claim for TDIU solely due to PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since January 5, 2009. The Board found that the impairment from his PTSD more nearly approximated a 70 percent rating.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and a low back disorder. The Veteran's current psychiatric disability is related to his active service, while his current low back disorder is likely due to the normal process of aging and his reported injury in service.

The Veteran's service connection claim for tinnitus has been granted with a 10% evaluation, and he is also entitled to separate evaluations of 10% each for his inguinal hernia and the scar from his inguinal hernia surgery. The Veteran's service connection claim for pseudofolliculitis barbae (scarring) has been granted with a 30% evaluation based on disfigurement of the face and head.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to fully and fairly consider the merits of the Veteran's claims, including obtaining service personnel records, Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits records, and a VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at the maximum available rating of 50 percent since February 24, 2010. The evaluations for peripheral neuropathy and bilateral hearing loss have not met the criteria for higher ratings.

The Veteran's PTSD is related to his service as a corrections specialist at Camp Pendleton, and the Board finds that it meets the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's service connection for prostate cancer residuals was granted, with a rating of 60 percent effective June 17, 2013. The claimant reported symptoms warranting this higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks during the specified time frame, warranting a 30 percent disability rating.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for PTSD and denied CUE in a September 2008 rating decision regarding kidney disease. The case is remanded to issue a Statement of the Case on the CUE claim.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for PTSD has been withdrawn prior to the Board's decision.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, diabetes mellitus, type II, and a heart disability (coronary artery disease) based on presumptive exposure to herbicides due to service in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since May 24, 2013. The rating is based on the severity of symptoms and occupational/social impairment.

The Board has ordered additional development to obtain service treatment records and private treatment records, including those from the Essex County Correctional Facility. The case will be remanded for these actions.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since April 4, 2008. The appeal is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a new examination to assess the severity of his PTSD and TDIU claim.

The Veteran's PTSD with secondary depression and history of anxiety reaction most nearly approximated occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas prior to March 15, 2011, and from May 1, 2011. The Veteran's PTSD has at no point during the appeal period been manifested by total occupational and social impairment.