PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claim for reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses is being remanded to allow the VA to adjudicate a secondary service connection claim related to his PTSD. The primary issue remains whether he incurred injuries during service and if those injuries are connected to his service-connected condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral upper extremity disorder, to include PTSD and right hand disorder, has been reopened. The initial disability rating of 50 percent for PTSD is maintained as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. Service connection for a chest scar is granted. However, the Veteran's bilateral shoulder, arm, and left hand arthritis are denied.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since the appeal period began. The Board found that his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating, and he was unable to establish TDIU based on his service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically PTSD, is granted. His diabetes mellitus, type II, currently rated at 20 percent, remains unchanged as the evidence does not support a higher rating. The issue of entitlement to a compensable rating for his cataracts and ischemic optic neuropathy prior to October 14, 2014, and a rating in excess of 30 percent thereafter is addressed in the remand portion.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent prior to May 31, 2014. The Board found that the Veteran's symptoms did not warrant a higher rating due to total occupational and social impairment. A TDIU was granted.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating greater than 70 percent for PTSD was withdrawn prior to the Board's decision.,Service connection is granted for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, with the evidence being in equipoise as to whether these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and a new VA examination. The issues of service connection for PTSD, major depressive disorder, nightmare disorder, anxiety disorder, and alcohol dependence are on appeal.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for PTSD, right elbow disability, and bronchitis were denied. The RO granted service connection for PTSD effective June 1, 2011, but did not grant any compensable rating for the disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and SSA disability benefits records. A mental health examination will also be scheduled to address the relationship between her psychiatric disorders and military service.

The Veteran's appeals for increased evaluations and service connection were denied. The Board found that the highest schedular ratings available have been assigned for his hemorrhoids and thigh disability.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding the initial rating for PTSD and TDIU.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the issue of higher ratings for PTSD prior to the Board's decision.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, which reflects the severity of his condition as it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.

The Veteran's PTSD prior to July 26, 2012 did not meet the criteria for a higher initial evaluation in excess of 50 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his back pain and PTSD, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as of February 27, 2012.

The Veteran's PTSD has been manifested by symptoms that cause occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, but not total occupational and social impairment. The criteria for an initial disability rating in excess of 30 percent have not been met.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea and an increased rating for PTSD, finding that there was no direct link between his current conditions and his military service or any service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a higher rating, but his cervical spine condition claim remains unresolved.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder, including PTSD, has been rated at 70 percent since June 2010. The Board finds that the current rating adequately reflects his symptoms and impairment.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as there is no current diagnosis of an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD.