PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's PTSD with mood disorder has been manifested by occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas throughout the appeals period, warranting a 70 percent rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection due to a lack of evidence showing that a claim form was received within one year of his intent to file, which would have made March 31, 2015, the date of claim. The earliest effective date assigned is April 4, 2016.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for all issues listed, including service connection claims and increased rating claims. As a result, the appeal is dismissed.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for SMC by reason of the need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, concussion (also claimed as TBI), bleeding ears, and macular degeneration due to a lack of competent evidence showing current diagnoses or signs/symptoms thereof.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), and right fibular fracture with right ankle strain are not related to service. The claim for bilateral hearing loss was denied due to lack of evidence showing worsening beyond expected progression.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, coronary artery disease, bilateral hearing loss, genital herpes, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including posttraumatic stress disorder and depression) as new and material evidence was not received to reopen these previously denied claims.

The Board has determined that the reduction of the disability rating for fibromyalgia from 40% to 20% effective November 1, 2013 was not proper.

The Veteran does not have PTSD and has not demonstrated evidence of any other current acquired psychiatric disability, leading to the denial of service connection for PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation since May 20, 2011.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing addendum opinions from VA examiners regarding the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since August 23, 2016. Prior to that date, the Veteran was granted a TDIU effective May 1, 2008.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent from January 29, 2007 to March 19, 2014 and at 70 percent thereafter. The Board has granted a TDIU effective since the date of receipt of his claim for service connection on January 29, 2007.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have not been shown to warrant a higher rating at any time during the periods considered.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and the need for an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disorders.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inconsistencies in the Veteran's previous VA examinations and his failure to attend scheduled appointments. The Veteran will be provided another examination to determine the nature and etiology of his acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's service-connected prostate cancer and PTSD have not been found to warrant higher initial ratings at any point during the appeal period.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood.,For the entire appeal period, the Veteran's PTSD did not result in total social and occupational impairment.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine the etiology of his claimed psychiatric conditions, including depression and PTSD. The examiner should consider whether these conditions are related to service or service-connected disabilities.

The Board found insufficient evidence to corroborate the Veteran's claimed in-service stressor and denied service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Board also denied service connection for a personality disorder due to lack of direct service connection.