PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's PTSD was initially rated at 50% from December 12, 2012 and increased to 70% effective March 4, 2015. The Veteran also received a TDIU rating as of May 3, 2013.

The Veteran's myocardial infarction is currently rated at 60 percent, effective March 1, 2015. He also has a 50 percent rating for PTSD.,PTSD and MI have been granted increased ratings to 60 percent and 100 percent respectively, effective March 1, 2015.

The Veteran's appeal for a TDIU and an initial higher evaluation for PTSD has been dismissed due to the grant of service connection for PTSD resulting in a full grant of the benefit sought on appeal. The issue of entitlement to an effective date prior to December 13, 2011 for the grant of service connection for PTSD is remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and initial evaluations for his PTSD, major depressive disorder, mechanical cervical muscle strain, and mechanical lumbar strain have been withdrawn. The case is being remanded to obtain updated VA treatment records and a neurological examination.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's claim for an annual VA clothing allowance for the year 2013 is being remanded due to the need for additional clinical determination regarding the use of his service-connected fibromyalgia with chronic fatigue syndrome braces and their impact on his clothes.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder, not otherwise specified, has been rated at 70 percent since July 9, 2012. The Board found that the disability did not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's combined rating for his service-connected disabilities is 90%, which satisfies the criteria for a TDIU. The evidence shows that the Veteran's PTSD renders him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is rated at 50 percent, the maximum schedular rating. The Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they are consistent with occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's claims for increased PTSD rating and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, sleep apnea, and an increased rating for PTSD were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of direct service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent disabling, and he is granted a TDIU effective from April 2006.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disability is related to his service-connected left knee disability and granted service connection for this condition. The skin rash was not found to be related to service, and thus denied. Migraine headaches were also granted service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, effective March 18, 2015. The rating for PTSD has been granted and the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to incomplete development and the issues of a higher initial rating for an acquired psychiatric disorder and TDIU from November 26, 2004 to November 22, 2010 are inextricably intertwined.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD with major depression, was rated at 30 percent disabling from February 17, 1983 to November 6, 2000.

The Veteran's claims for evaluations of his psychiatric disorders, lumbar strain, right ring and little finger degenerative joint disease, left shoulder tendonitis, left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, left ankle strain, and left foot plantar fasciitis from February 1, 2010 to September 6, 2011 were denied as the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the Veteran's ability to work due to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosis of PTSD is related to his active military service, and thus service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's claim for an increased initial rating for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development of VA medical records.