PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA psychiatric examination to determine if any current psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is related to military service. The Veteran's claim of service connection for a psychiatric disorder will be reconsidered after this additional development.

The Veteran's PTSD disability is rated at 30 percent prior to February 25, 2008 and increased to 50 percent from that date until August 15, 2011. Beginning August 16, 2011, the rating for PTSD has been in excess of 50 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD, including major depression secondary to prostate cancer treatment, is currently rated at 70 percent and the appeal for a higher rating has been denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed psychiatric disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and adjustment disorder have resulted in total occupational and social impairment throughout the appeal period, warranting a 100% disability rating.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD is granted. The Board also finds that the Veteran has an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, but remands to obtain a VA examination and opinion regarding its etiology.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since July 2007 and increased to 70 percent effective February 25, 2013. The Board granted a TDIU effective June 13, 2011.,PTSD symptoms have caused the Veteran to be unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since February 2, 2011.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent, the highest available rating under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders. The disability picture is characterized by occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have been rated at 50 percent since July 15, 2010. The Board has not granted a higher rating for his PTSD and the TDIU claim is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including scheduling a videoconference hearing at the Twin Falls CBOC if possible. The case will be returned to the Board after the hearing.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance or being housebound.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for increased ratings, service connection, and effective dates. The Board has determined that a hearing is necessary before the RO to address these issues.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD, finding that less than the maximum benefit was awarded.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression has been rated at 100 percent since August 4, 2010. The issue of a TDIU rating is moot due to the grant of a higher rating for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression resulted in occupational and social impairment, warranting a 70 percent disability rating.,Effective April 8, 2004, the Veteran was granted TDIU based on his service-connected PTSD.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss and service connection for PTSD. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available under VA guidelines.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have resulted in total social and occupational impairment, warranting a 100 percent rating for the entire period on appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since September 15, 2011. Prior to that date, the Board denied a higher initial rating for his PTSD.