PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD was denied as there is no evidence of an in-service disease or injury. The Board found that the Veteran meets the percentage rating standards for TDIU due to his combined disability ratings and single disability ratings, which are at least 70 percent. The Veteran's claim for SMC based on need for regular A&A or by reason of being housebound was denied as there is no evidence of permanent bedridden status or inability to leave the house. His claim for SMP based on need for regular A&A or by reason of being housebound was also denied.

The Veteran withdrew from appeal the issue of entitlement to service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD has been productive of total occupational and social impairment for the entire appeal period, warranting a 100 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining outstanding treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to evaluate his right ankle disability.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the issue of a rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD prior to February 6, 2015 and to 70 percent thereafter is dismissed.

The Board has granted an initial rating of 70 percent for PTSD, effective January 7, 2010. The Veteran's PTSD is characterized by occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity due to symptoms such as flattened affect, panic attacks more than once per week, difficulty understanding complex commands, and impaired judgment.

The Veteran's PTSD is related to military sexual trauma during active service, and the Board has granted service connection for PTSD with major depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with anxiety disorder, NOS has been granted a rating of 70 percent. The other claims have not met the criteria for an initial compensable disability rating.

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.