PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD, coronary artery disease, and service connection for sinusitis, low back disorder, neuropathy of the hands and feet, diabetes mellitus, and erectile dysfunction. The VA examinations indicated that the current conditions are not related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining missing service treatment records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including verification of service dates and a new VA examination to address the nature and etiology of any psychiatric disability present, to include PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD and ileoileostomy did not render him unemployable prior to March 23, 2006. The evidence does not show he was unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his disabilities.

The Board has ordered additional development to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, Neurocognitive Disorder, and Alcohol Use Disorder. The remand includes obtaining updated VA treatment records, scheduling a new VA examination, and ensuring all issues are addressed appropriately.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression is rated at 70 percent, and the issue of TDIU based on this disability has been granted. The Board also found that a higher rating for PTSD would not be warranted as it already results in total occupational and social impairment.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, are not related to service. The most probative evidence does not support a finding of service connection.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) was denied as he did not return the required VA Form 21-8940 and his statements regarding employment were inconsistent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and his acquired psychiatric disability is manifested by depression, anxiety, and an explosive disorder. The medical opinions are in relative equipoise regarding whether these conditions were incurred during service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a valid diagnosis of PTSD under the applicable criteria and thus, service connection for PTSD is denied. The Veteran's current mental health diagnoses are found to be related to his physical health problems rather than to his in-service experiences.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD was denied, as the evidence did not show total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they are consistent with the current 70 percent evaluation.

The Veteran's PTSD and depression have resulted in occupational and social impairment, with deficiencies in most areas such as work, family relations, judgment, thinking, and mood. The Board granted a 70 percent rating for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks, warranting a 30 percent rating.,Prior to April 20, 2010, the Veteran's CAD was manifested by an ability to perform a workload of more than 7 to 10 METs with dyspnea, fatigue, and angina, warranting a 30 percent rating. Since April 20, 2010, but no earlier, his CAD has been manifested by an ability to perform a workload of more than 3 METs (metabolic equivalent) but not greater than 5 METs with dyspnea, fatigue, and angina; warranting a 60 percent rating.,Since January 27, 2008, but no earlier, the Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, warranting a TDIU.

The Board found that the Veteran's discharge from service in July 2006 was not a bar to VA benefits due to her military sexual trauma and determined she should be granted benefits for PTSD.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal of all issues before the Board during a March 2017 hearing.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a thoracic spine disability has been reopened, but the evidence does not support this claim. The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent and his claim for an increased rating remains denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of his PTSD and consideration of whether he is entitled to TDIU based on impairment attributable to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board granted service connection for pes planus and Barrett's esophagus with GERD, denied service connection for PTSD, fibromyalgia, an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, erectile dysfunction, a dental condition for treatment purposes, and a dental condition for compensation.