PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have resulted in total occupational impairment, warranting a 100% disability rating effective March 1, 2011.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated as 30 percent disabling, and the Board found that this rating adequately reflects his symptoms. The initial evaluations for CAD have been granted but are not higher than what was previously assigned. The Veteran has not met the criteria for a TDIU based on service-connected disabilities alone.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated as 10 percent disabling and the Board has denied a higher rating. The claim for TDIU was not pursued due to the Veteran's full-time employment.

The Veteran's service-connected low back disability and PTSD have rendered him unemployable for the period from June 21, 2009 to November 8, 2011. The Board has granted a TDIU on an extraschedular basis during this period.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining outstanding treatment records and providing new VA examinations to assess the severity of his PTSD and diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the claims of service connection for left ear hearing loss, right ear tinnitus, PTSD, and oral cancer can be adjudicated. The Veteran must file timely appeals in response to the September 2017 SOCs addressing these issues. Additionally, a medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's oral cancer is required.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a VA mental disorders examination to determine the nature, extent, and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically PTSD and major depression with psychosis.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the submission of a new avenue of entitlement for service connection based on military sexual trauma (MST). The Veteran will be provided special notice provisions and an opportunity to submit evidence supporting his claim.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated as 30 percent disabling prior to March 12, 2010 and 50 percent disabling thereafter. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet criteria for a higher rating based on his symptoms.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment, warranting a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a PTSD examination and consideration of the TDIU issue. The current level of severity of his service-connected PTSD will be determined.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including adjustment disorder, depressive disorder, anxiety disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder, as well as secondary to his service-connected headaches, is being remanded due to the need for clarification of diagnoses and etiology.

The Veteran's PTSD is found to be related to his military service, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and kidney stones, but granted a noncompensable evaluation for his right ear hearing loss disability.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms are rated at the maximum schedular rating of 70 percent, and he is granted a separate compensable disability rating for TBI. The hearing loss in the left ear has been service-connected, and his migraine headaches have also received an increased rating.

The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for his service-connected PTSD is being remanded due to the need for updated medical examination.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current major depressive disorder is related to his active service and grants service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and depressive disorder, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, and a gunshot wound to the left arm, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since April 8, 2010.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to evaluate the impact of his PTSD on his employment. The TDIU claim will also be addressed.