PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Board has decided to remand the cases for additional examination and development, including obtaining service treatment records and private medical records. The TDIU claim is inextricably intertwined with other issues being remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation prior to June 3, 2019. His combined disability rating was 60 percent at that time.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service-connected due to a diagnosed condition related to an in-service sexual assault.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 70 percent disability level, the highest available for this condition. The rating will take effect from the date of claim or as otherwise determined by VA.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and ischemic heart disease are being remanded for further evaluation as his claims have worsened since the last VA examinations in April 2016. The TDIU claim is also being remanded due to its inextricable link with the increased rating claims.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board has ordered a new VA psychiatric examination to determine if his condition warrants a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, right biceps tendon rupture, and hypertension, do not render him unemployable as he has worked part-time for many years.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for anemia was denied, and service connection for various conditions including low back disability, PTSD, alcohol-related disorder, tobacco abuse disorder, TIA, cardiac murmur, right bundle branch block, atypical pneumonia, sinus disability, headache disability, gastroenteritis, PFB, chalazion surgery residuals, and subconjunctive hemorrhage of the right eye was denied. The Veteran's anemia is currently rated as 10 percent disabling.

The Veteran's prostate cancer rating was reduced from 100% to 40%, but a 60% rating for voiding dysfunction is granted effective February 1, 2015. Special monthly compensation based on housebound status is also granted.

The Veteran's appeal regarding a higher rating for his PTSD with depression and bipolar disorder is remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records and a new examination.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and TDIU due to outstanding VA treatment records not being associated with her file. The AOJ is instructed to obtain these records, as well as any private medical records related to her psychiatric disability. Additionally, they are asked to schedule a VA examination to assess the functional effects of her service-connected disabilities on her ability to work.

The Board has granted service connection for prostate cancer and tinnitus, but has remanded the issues of service connection for PTSD and bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for PTSD, a seizure disorder (blackouts), headaches, and angioneurotic edema due to incomplete records. The Veteran is directed to have VA attempt to obtain his in-patient treatment records from Balboa Naval Medical Center during service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for erectile dysfunction and special monthly compensation due to loss of use of a creative organ, as these issues are inextricably intertwined with the underlying claim for service connection. Additional development is needed including obtaining VA treatment records and an addendum opinion from an appropriate clinician.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and failure to address all psychiatric disorders, including GAD.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of medical services received at Lowell General Hospital on June 8, 2018 was denied because the Veteran refused to be transferred to a VA facility despite attempts by VA to transfer him.

The Board has restored the Veteran's 70% disability rating for dysthymia and PTSD, effective February 7, 2017, as the reduction was not in accordance with applicable regulations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, claimed as PTSD, is related to service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal of an increased disability rating higher than 50 percent for PTSD has been dismissed due to the withdrawal of his appeal by his attorney.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and the need for a VA examination.