PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective March 7, 2011. The Board also granted a TDIU based on the combined effect of his service-connected disabilities.

This appeal is dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus. The service connection claim for bilateral hearing loss was denied because there is no current diagnosis of a hearing loss disability by VA standards.,The claims for emphysema with COPD and residuals of a spontaneous pneumothorax, lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, and PTSD are all remanded as the Veteran's symptoms have worsened since his last examination.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, claimed as PTSD, is granted service connection. The initial rating for tinnitus remains at 10%. The effective date for the grant of service connection for tinnitus is set at January 10, 2014. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is being remanded for a new examination to assess the current severity of his condition, and for additional development including obtaining an updated work history and VA examinations. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 70 percent due to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, as his symptoms do not cause total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for PTSD was denied as the evidence did not support a higher rating than 30 percent prior to February 2, 2015. After this date, his PTSD symptoms worsened and he was assigned a 70 percent rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is denied as there is no current diagnosis of PTSD or any other acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD has worsened since his last VA examination in August 2014. The Board is remanding the case to obtain updated treatment records and schedule a new VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance due to PTSD was denied as he is not bedridden or in need of regular aid and assistance.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to new evidence being added to the record after a Substantive Appeal was filed. The VA treatment records are relevant and must be considered in an SSOC.

The Veteran's petition to reopen a claim of service connection for rheumatoid arthritis was granted. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, was denied. Service connection for rheumatoid arthritis, linked to PTSD, was also denied.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted an initial rating of 50 percent prior to July 30, 2014. From April 8, 2016, a 70 percent disability rating for PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD was denied, and his TDIU claim was also denied.,The Board found that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an increased rating for PTSD prior to the issuance of a decision. As a result, the appeal is dismissed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea has been granted. The appeal regarding the rating of PTSD and major depressive disorder, as well as the TDIU prior to July 12, 2017, is being remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for a low back disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of these conditions. The Veteran is required to undergo VA examinations to determine if his current disabilities are related to his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the current severity of the Veteran's PTSD. The Veteran will need to provide information about his treatment providers and outstanding VA medical records, after which he will be scheduled for a VA examination to assess his PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected conditions, including PTSD and coronary artery disease, make him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment since December 12, 2011. The Board has determined that the criteria for TDIU are met as of this date.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent prior to the remand, and after considering all evidence, it is now rated at 50 percent.