PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's claims for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorders, GERD, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and hypertension have been denied as there is no competent evidence of current diagnoses or a link to service.

The Board has ordered additional development of the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including RLS, COPD, an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD, low back disability, and hypertension. The case is being remanded to obtain necessary medical records and conduct appropriate VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of coronary artery disease and service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder have been denied as the evidence does not support a finding that his current conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since September 2010, reflecting significant impairment in occupational and social functioning.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for migraine headaches and PTSD, as well as his TDIU claim, are being remanded due to the need for a video conference hearing.

The Veteran's PTSD has been productive of occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, school, family relations, and mood. The symptoms have included irritability, anger outbursts, hypervigilance, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and a lack of motivation to establish effective relationships.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD was rated at 70 percent prior to May 14, 2014. The Board found that the symptoms did not meet criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining additional VA treatment records and a new VA examination to assess the severity of his PTSD. The issue of entitlement to TDIU is also inextricably intertwined with the increased rating claim on appeal.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for PTSD has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal in a statement submitted in July 2014, expressing satisfaction with the current disability rating of 50 percent.

The Veteran's hepatitis C was not incurred in service, but he is found to be unemployable due to his PTSD. The TDIU claim is granted.

The Veteran's Grave's Disease and Thyroid Disability are service-connected.,Hypertension, COPD/emphysema, Peripheral Neuropathy of the Upper and Lower Extremities, Acquired Psychiatric Disability (other than PTSD), Right Shoulder Disability, Stomach Disability, and Neck Disability have not been found to be related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the effective date for a 50% evaluation for PTSD cannot be earlier than April 1, 2009. The Veteran's claim was not received until April 1, 2009, and there is no evidence of a factually ascertainable increase in disability within one year prior to this date.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, and he is found to be unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities as of February 17, 2012.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since November 2006, and the appeal is for a higher evaluation or an earlier effective date.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, which reflects occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and anxiety disorder, are found to be related to service. Service connection is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50% rating prior to October 27, 2015.

The Veteran's conditions, while serious, do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status prior to May 20, 2014.

The Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder have been rated at 30 percent, the maximum available under the rating criteria. The Board has found that his symptoms do not warrant a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with MDD has resulted in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100% disability rating for the entire period on appeal.