PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule a video conference hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the RO. The case will be returned for further action after the hearing.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the feet has been granted service connection. For PTSD with depressive disorder, a rating in excess of 50 percent prior to September 8, 2011, and 70 percent thereafter is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to reschedule his hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an increased rating for PTSD prior to the Board's decision.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and examination, as there are inconsistencies in the service records regarding the Veteran's claimed stressors and diagnoses.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding increased ratings for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and varicose veins of the left leg. As a result, these claims are dismissed.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease/CAD, status post CABG was rated at 60 percent prior to January 13, 2015, and increased to 100 percent effective that date. The Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus was rated at 20 percent. The Veteran's dysthymia with PTSD was rated at 30 percent.,The Board found no basis for a higher rating for any of the conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA psychiatric examination and the obtaining of outstanding VA medical records.

The Board's May 2013 decision is dismissed as the Veteran did not provide a clear and specific allegation of CUE in any of the issues decided.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent disabling, and the Board has determined that he meets the criteria for a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 70 percent disability rating from April 8, 2010 to January 8, 2016.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development including stressor verification and a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable, as he has been self-employed for over thirty years and missed an average of 4-6 days a month due to his conditions. The evidence does not show marked interference with employment.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to the submission of new service connection and increased rating claims. These issues are inextricably intertwined with the TDIU claim.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have been rated at 70 percent since April 21, 2010. Effective May 22, 2013, the Veteran is also granted a TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and a new VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea is not related to service, and his other specified trauma-related disorder with MDD and a history of PTSD warrants a 30% rating. The issue of TDIU remains denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including new VA examinations.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD with major depression and determined that new and material evidence has been received. The Veteran's current diagnoses of PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder are found to be related to his in-service stressor, which involved witnessing a friend commit suicide while serving at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, did not render him unemployable prior to June 27, 2014. As of that date, the issue of TDIU is moot due to the assignment of a 100% rating for PTSD.