PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2016

PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since October 25, 2010. Since December 18, 2014, the Veteran's PTSD is rated as 100 percent disabling.,The Veteran is now entitled to a TDIU rating due to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD rating is being remanded for a more complete evaluation and consideration of all relevant evidence, including VA and private treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain a VA medical examination and clarify his current psychological diagnoses, as well as ensure that all necessary records are obtained. The claims for increased rating of PTSD and TDIU will be considered together.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression. The decision found that there was no evidence of current tinnitus during or after service, and that any current psychiatric disorders are not related to service.

The Veteran's PTSD prior to November 29, 2006 resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas due to symptoms including suicidal ideation, depression, anxiety, irritability, difficulty adapting to work settings, and inability to maintain effective relationships. The Veteran was unable to obtain and maintain more than marginal employment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and a new VA examination of his psychiatric disorder. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD results in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, including work, social relations, and mood. The criteria for a 70 percent rating have been met.

The Board found that the Veteran's PTSD is adequately reflected by the schedular criteria and does not present other indicia of an exceptional or unusual disability. The case was remanded for consideration of an extraschedular rating, but the Veteran has not expressed dissatisfaction with this decision to include the rating assigned or effective date.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD was denied, and his claim for TDIU prior to March 16, 2010 was also denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is productive of occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, judgment, thinking, and mood. The Board finds a 70 percent rating is warranted.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease is found to have its onset in service and therefore service connection is granted. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, remains pending.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, finding no evidence of a stressor related to his service or any behavioral changes consistent with PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's PTSD has been manifested by symptoms causing occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 30 percent evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, prostate cancer residuals, right wrist fracture, and erectile dysfunction associated with prostate cancer, are rated at 90 percent combined. The Board finds that these conditions render the Veteran unable to participate in a regular substantially gainful occupation consistent with his education and work experience.

The Board has granted an effective date of January 26, 2007 for the award of service connection for PTSD. The Veteran's original claim was pending until July 2012 when it was finally adjudicated and granted.

For the period from August 24, 2009 to June 23, 2010, the Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. The Board granted a 50 percent disability rating for this period.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted and assigned a 30 percent rating, effective April 30, 2012. The issue of TDIU remains unresolved as it was denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection have been granted. He is now in receipt of a compensable evaluation for his varicose veins, an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for his right thigh scar, and secondary service connection for his heart disability.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to the Agency of Original Jurisdiction (AOJ) for a video conference hearing as requested in his November 2015 VA Form 9. The AOJ must schedule the Veteran for this hearing and provide appropriate advance written notice.