PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Board found that the Veteran does not have PTSD and his claimed in-service stressors were not verified. The acquired psychiatric disorder, including unspecified bipolar and related disorders, was also not caused or aggravated by any aspect of active service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy of both lower and upper extremities, rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to February 22, 2010. However, the combined rating for these conditions does not meet the criteria for SMC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1114 (s).

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent disabling, and the Board has found that he meets the criteria for a TDIU. The appeal will be remanded to obtain updated VA treatment records.

The Board has found substantial compliance with its remand directives. The Veteran's claims for service connection, increased rating, and TDIU are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated as 70 percent since February 29, 2012. He is also entitled to a TDIU based on his service-connected PTSD.,Service connection for hypertension and a right leg disorder have not been established.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease, PTSD, tinnitus, and hypertension qualify him for special monthly compensation based on housebound status under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1114(s).

The Veteran's PTSD warrants a staged rating of 30 percent prior to January 5, 2010 and 70 percent from that date to September 17, 2014.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA examinations and records. The issues include evaluations for various service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining additional VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for new VA examinations to evaluate his bilateral SNHL, bilateral foot condition, bilateral knee condition, tension headaches, back condition, and muscle and joint pain.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining a new VA examination for PTSD and ensuring all relevant medical records are associated with the claims file.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD was rated at 30 percent prior to July 18, 2013. From July 18, 2013, the rating increased to 50 percent.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to the appellant requesting withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran does not have a qualifying chronic disability to include undiagnosed illness and medically unexplained chronic multisymptom illness other than fibromyalgia, which is already service-connected. The symptoms of mental health symptoms, sleep impairment, headaches, and muscle and joint pain are considered part of the service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted. The Veteran also meets criteria for TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and a PTSD examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and reopening of previously denied claims are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and a new VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent for the entire appeal period, and he is found to be unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities. The TDIU claim is granted.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed, including obtaining VA treatment records and private psychologist records. The Veteran's diagnoses of PTSD, depressive disorder, major depressive disorder, and an adjustment disorder will be evaluated to determine if they are related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the RO due to the Veteran's request. The appeal is still pending and will be reconsidered after the hearing.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for further development due to the need for updated VA examinations and consideration of new evidence. The initial rating claim for PTSD remains pending, as does the TDIU claim.