PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records and for further adjudication of his claims, including the issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain a new VA examination for PTSD, as well as additional VA treatment records. The TDIU claim prior to May 29, 2012 will also be addressed.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Baptist Medical Center Hospital from September 25-29, 2009 were denied as the emergency treatment was not provided in a hospital emergency department or similar facility providing emergency care.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, when evaluated in association with her education and occupational experience, have rendered her unable to obtain and retain substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing a new VA examination to address the Veteran's claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, with consideration of his history of mental trauma in service and hospitalization for heart problems.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for an increased rating for PTSD and TDIU from March 26, 2010 onward.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and adjudicating both his PTSD rating claim and TDIU claim.

The Board granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including major depressive disorder and PTSD, as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected skin disabilities. The Veteran also received initial compensable ratings for his tinea cruris and lichen simplex chronicus, lumbar back and medial buttocks, with scarring, and dyshidrotic eczema of the feet.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining private treatment records and scheduling VA examinations to determine if the Veteran's right hip disability and acquired psychiatric disability are related to service.

The Veteran's PTSD has been productive of occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, but not total occupational and social impairment. The VA assigned a 30 percent evaluation for the disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection have been withdrawn, and his claims for diabetes mellitus and weight control problems or obesity have not met the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for a 100 percent rating for PTSD with schizoaffective disorder between February 19, 1998 and May 31, 2011 is granted. The TDIU claim is moot due to the grant of a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD is related to military service and the Board finds that he has a heart disability, likely ischemic cardiomyopathy, which may be secondary to his service-connected PTSD. The hypertension is not shown to have pre-existed service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a VA psychiatric examination to assess the etiologies of his acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, bipolar disorder and depressive disorder. The examiner must consider the hazing incident in August 1981 as a potential stressor.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain medical records and for a VA psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for endometriosis is granted, and her PTSD disability remains at a 30 percent rating.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was reopened and service connection is granted.,Service connection for CAD is not warranted as there is no evidence of herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's hypertension is currently non-compensable as it does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation under Diagnostic Code 7101.,The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, combined with his non-service-connected back and joint conditions, has rendered him unemployable. However, this determination is based on his non-service-connected disabilities rather than solely on his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, which approximates the criteria for such impairment.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a diagnosed psychiatric disorder related to his military service and denied his claim for service connection.