PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's fibromyalgia claim is denied as it does not meet the criteria for service connection. The acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD) claim is also denied because there is no confirmed inservice stressor and the diagnosed conditions are more likely related to substance abuse rather than service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD with depression warrants a 70 percent disability rating, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to an unsuccessful attempt to verify a period of Active Duty for Training (ACDUTRA) in February and March 1991. The claim will be reconsidered on a de novo basis.

The Veteran's PTSD was not shown to have been manifested by symptoms productive of impairment greater than occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks. The Veteran's PTSD did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected PTSD and cervical spine disability.

The Board has reopened the claims of service connection for a right knee disability, bilateral pes planus, sinusitis, amenorrhea, gastrointestinal disability, hemorrhoids, and headache disability. Service connection is granted for these conditions.,Service connection is also granted for fibromyalgia and PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to a scheduling conflict for the Veteran's requested videoconference hearing. The appeal is still pending and will be returned to the AOJ for further action.

The Veteran's PTSD, major depressive disorder, and alcohol dependence have resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity since September 16, 2010. The disability has not caused total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted with an effective date of August 5, 2002. The evidence shows the Veteran has been unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities since at least that time.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since February 20, 2013. The rating is based on the severity of symptoms and impairment in occupational and social functioning.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in total social and occupational impairment since the initial grant of service connection, warranting a 100 percent rating.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) for aid and attendance was denied as there is no evidence that he requires regular aid and assistance from another due to his service-connected PTSD. His spouse's need for aid and attendance was also denied.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 10 percent prior to June 7, 2011 and in excess of 30 percent thereafter for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's request for self-employment assistance through VA's Vocational Rehabilitation program was denied because his chosen vocational goal of owning a cabaret-style bar/restaurant is not considered suitable given his service-connected disabilities and lack of financial resources.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected as it meets the criteria for a current diagnosis, an in-service stressor related to fear of hostile military activity, and a link between the diagnosis and the in-service stressor.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the Veteran's death, and no jurisdiction remains for the merits of the case.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for various disabilities, including mental health conditions and musculoskeletal issues. The Board has remanded the case to allow the Veteran to have a DRO hearing.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disorders, including whether they are related to service or secondary to his skin disability.

The Board found that the Veteran's reports of in-service stressors were not credible and there was no evidence corroborating his alleged stressors. The preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding that a relationship exists between the Veteran's currently diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) and military service.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms included flashbacks, anger, irritability, impaired impulse control, and occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas resulting in severe social and occupational impairment. Prior to September 15, 2015, a rating of 70 percent was granted for PTSD.,Prior to December 4, 2012, the Veteran's prostate cancer symptoms included occasional urinary incontinence requiring absorbent materials which did not need to be changed two to four times per day. From December 4, 2012, to August 31, 2015, a rating of 40 percent was granted for voiding dysfunction.,Prior to August 31, 2015, the Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.