PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Veteran seeks an increased rating for his service-connected PTSD, which was previously rated at 10 percent. The RO proposed to reduce the rating to a noncompensable (zero percent) rating and scheduled a VA examination in March 2013. However, the Veteran failed to appear due to work schedule issues.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since February 13, 2008 and is currently rated at 100 percent effective June 8, 2016. The Board finds that the Veteran requires regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected PTSD and meets the criteria for a TDIU prior to June 8, 2016.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of her service-connected psychiatric disorder, and for any outstanding medical records to be obtained.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for sleep apnea, which he claims is related to his service-connected PTSD. The Board has determined that an additional VA examination is needed to address the relationship between his sleep apnea and his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since February 25, 2010. The Board found that the disability picture more nearly approximates occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, but less than total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for further development and consideration of his claims regarding his mood disorder, including depressive disorder and PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the Agency of Original Jurisdiction (AOJ) for further development. The AOJ will schedule a videoconference hearing before the Board at the earliest opportunity.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before the claim can be adjudicated, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and an addendum medical opinion regarding the etiology of any current psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, the highest available rating. The evidence shows that his symptoms result in total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran is seeking to establish service connection for GERD, which he claims was caused by his service-connected PTSD. The Board has ordered additional development as the opinion on direct service connection is needed.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's depressive disorder. The appeal is currently in remand status and will be returned to the AOJ after any additional development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) at the housebound rate prior to June 11, 2012, as he did not have a single service-connected disability rated at 100% or be permanently housebound due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for SMC benefits based on the need for aid and attendance or housebound status, finding that neither the Veteran's coronary artery disease nor his PTSD acting alone rendered him unable to maintain reasonably gainful employment prior to February 25, 2011.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment since September 18, 2009.

The Veteran's TBI and chronic headaches due to head trauma have been granted service connection. The remaining issues are pending.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, and he is granted TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with alcohol dependence renders him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment, meeting the criteria for a TDIU.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for osteochondroma of the right knee and back disorder, finding that new and material evidence was submitted. The claims are granted as both conditions are found to be related to active service.

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

The Veteran's PTSD, depression, and alcohol dependence resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. The Board found that the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating of at least 70 percent.