PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's PTSD is not shown to meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 50 percent prior to April 3, 2013, and/or in excess of 70 percent from that date.

The Veteran's lung disability and service-connected PTSD are granted. The lung disability is found to be related to service, while the PTSD warrants a 70% rating due to significant occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for SMC benefits by reason of being housebound or based on the need for aid and assistance from another person.

The Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings for PTSD and TDIU have been withdrawn by his representative.

The Veteran's initial rating of 30 percent for his psychiatric disability from August 20, 2004 through May 6, 2008 is upheld. The condition resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, hypertension, residuals of a back injury, cervical spine disability, and psychiatric disability (including PTSD) have been granted.

The Veteran has been diagnosed with PTSD, depression and related alcohol use disorder. The Board finds that these conditions are as likely as not related to his military service in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency, but did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation. The TDIU claim was also denied.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, effective May 29, 2013. The disability manifests with symptoms such as social isolation, irritability, anger outbursts, and difficulty in maintaining relationships.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for the VA to obtain his treatment records from November 2012 through the present and to readjudicate his claims of an increased rating for PTSD and entitlement to a TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD is characterized by occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50% evaluation prior to December 22, 2011.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining private medical records and reviewing VA examination reports and treatment records. The issue remains in appellate status.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of his current psychiatric disabilities.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal before the Board could make a decision on his claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for bipolar disorder (claimed as manic depression and posttraumatic stress disorder).

The Veteran's PTSD warrants a 100 percent disability rating for the entire period under consideration, and he is entitled to an effective date of September 10, 2008.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have been found to be severe enough for a 70 percent rating prior to February 24, 2011. He is also entitled to special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's PTSD disability is currently rated as 50 percent disabling, and the Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected as a result of an in-service sexual assault, and thus grants the claim.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50% from November 16, 2008 to April 24, 2012. The initial compensable evaluations for left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome and instability are denied.