PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to a scheduling issue for a videoconference hearing. The issues of service connection for PTSD and increased rating for benign skin growths remain unresolved.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in slight impairment of social and occupational functioning prior to November 19, 2011. From November 19, 2011 to May 20, 2015, the disability was manifested by chronic sleep disturbance, anxiety, and irritability which most nearly approximated occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks. Since May 21, 2015, the PTSD has not resulted in total occupational and social impairment due to gross impairment in thought processes or communication; persistent delusions or hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; persistent danger of hurting self or others; intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living; disorientation to time or place; or memory loss for names of close relatives, own occupation or own name. The Veteran has a current bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus that are consistent with in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent effective June 6, 2013. The rating reflects significant impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since March 11, 2010. The evidence does not show that the disability more nearly approximates total occupational and social impairment or deficiencies in most areas as required for a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity from March 14, 2012 to September 10, 2014. The effective date for the increased rating is September 11, 2014.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including prostate cancer, PTSD, and peripheral neuropathy, render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, which includes bipolar disorder/depression and PTSD. The case is being remanded to obtain Social Security Administration records that may contain relevant treatment information.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD does not meet the criteria for a TDIU as his disability is rated at 50% and he has no other disabilities to combine with it. The Board finds that the Veteran's PTSD alone does not preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to incomplete records and need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since February 14, 2012. Prior to that date, he was granted a TDIU effective March 1, 2014.,PTSD symptoms include depression, anxiety, hypervigilance, anger, intrusive memories, isolation, avoidance, flashbacks, nightmares, irritability, concentration problems, mild memory loss, passive suicidal ideation, near continuous depression, and impaired impulse control.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was granted with an effective date of June 23, 2006.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for a dental condition for compensation purposes, and his claims of increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and right shoulder disability are denied.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 70 percent rating for PTSD was denied as the increase in severity of PTSD did not occur prior to May 5, 2010. The issue of entitlement to a higher rating for post-operative deviated septum with deformity post-nasal drip was withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD from February 17, 2012. The Veteran's claim for tinnitus is presumed to have been incurred in service as it manifested within one year of separation and he served in Vietnam. Service connection for right ear hearing loss is denied due to lack of evidence of a current disability. Service connection for left ear hearing loss is granted with an initial rating of 70 percent.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD or any other psychiatric disorder, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and is remanding the issue of TDIU.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before the appeal can be decided, including obtaining additional medical records and verifying stressors. The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded to allow for these steps.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his request for a Board videoconference hearing. The issues of service connection for various conditions remain unresolved.

The Veteran's PTSD has been found to cause occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent disability rating.