PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2016

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for type II diabetes mellitus from January 13, 2010 is granted and set at 20 percent. The claims for service connection for necrobiosis of the feet, hypertension, sleep apnea, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) are denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to incomplete development, including obtaining records from SSA and VA, verifying periods of active duty for training (ACDUTRA), and providing additional opinions regarding service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a 50 percent rating in July 2008 and increased to 70 percent in February 2014. The Veteran is seeking an even higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining relevant VA treatment records and providing a supplemental statement of the case (SSOC) on his tinnitus claim.

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

The Veteran's tremor disorder is granted as secondary to his service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder. The hyperlipidemia claim was withdrawn by the Veteran's representative.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent disabling for the period beginning April 6, 2010, to October 30, 2013. The rating is based on occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas due to symptoms such as difficulty establishing and maintaining effective relationships.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent from October 5, 2005, to November 9, 2014. The Board has determined that the criteria for a higher rating of 70 percent have been met and granted this increased rating.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as the appellant and his representative have withdrawn their appeal.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his ability to secure and maintain employment prior to March 22, 2013.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records and requesting an addendum opinion from a VA examiner.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a 70 percent evaluation, effective February 20, 2015. The Veteran is also service-connected for depressive disorder.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability was rated at 10 percent from September 11, 2009 to July 20, 2011 and at 20 percent thereafter. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher initial rating for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD alone has prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment since February 26, 2010. Additionally, the combination of his service-connected disabilities (including PTSD) has resulted in a combined schedular rating of 70 percent effective February 26, 2010.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, which is the maximum rating available under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders. The initial compensable ratings of 10 percent have been granted for his left wrist and left flank scars.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has not been productive of more than occupational and social impact with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a disability rating in excess of 50 percent.

The Veteran's combined rating for all service-connected disabilities is 80 percent, meeting the threshold criteria for a TDIU. The Board finds that he is unable to secure and follow substantially gainful occupation due solely to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, diabetes mellitus type II, bilateral vision loss, a psychiatric disability (anxiety disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder), chronic headaches, sleep apnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, arthritis of the right shoulder, arthritis of the left shoulder, low back disability, right hip disability, left hip disability, arthritis of the right knee, arthritis of the left knee, right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy have been denied. The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss has also been denied.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder has been rated at 50 percent since April 7, 2010. The rating was increased to 100 percent effective January 10, 2013.