PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to potential missing VA treatment records. The AOJ must obtain all relevant medical records and readjudicate the cases.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for new VA examinations to assess his current employment capacity and disability severity.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is rated at the highest possible level of 40 percent, effective as of the date of this decision.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety, bipolar disorder and PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records and a new opinion regarding the relationship between his current disorders and in-service stressors.

The Board has determined that the Veteran meets the criteria for service connection for PTSD, right ear hearing loss, and tinnitus. The Veteran's reported symptoms are consistent with his military service experience and supported by medical evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since January 14, 2010 and a TDIU is granted from that date to September 30, 2013.,Special monthly compensation (SMC) based on housebound status is awarded from July 12, 2012 to January 31, 2013.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need to obtain VA treatment records and SSA records. The AOJ will have an opportunity to review these records in the readjudication of her claim.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with occasional decreases in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks due to anxiety, depression, hypervigilance, and sleep disturbances. The Board found a 30 percent evaluation for the period since July 12, 2012.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to conflicting diagnoses and a need for clarification of etiology.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, in combination, render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and his psychiatric symptoms do not meet the criteria for service connection. The back disorder was also not shown in service or for many years thereafter, and is not otherwise related to active duty service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for PTSD before the Board could make a decision.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for tinnitus and hearing loss, as well as service connection for PTSD, were denied. The maximum schedular rating of 10 percent is assigned for the Veteran's tinnitus. No compensable evaluation was granted for his bilateral hearing loss disability. Service connection for PTSD could not be established based on the evidence provided.

The Veteran's tinnitus is established as service-connected, while his neuropathy and bilateral hearing loss are denied. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD and a depressive disorder) is granted.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for an updated VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD was initially diagnosed during active service and is granting service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent disabling, effective from November 2013. He also has service-connected hypertension and erectile dysfunction. The Board granted an initial increased disability rating for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective March 2, 2011. The Board finds that the Veteran meets the schedular percentage requirements for TDIU and his service-connected disabilities prevented him from engaging in substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for an increased disability rating for PTSD and a TDIU are being remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations and additional development of employment information.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 100 percent since January 30, 2012. The effective date for this rating is set to that date.