PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's entitlement to special monthly compensation (SMC) due to being housebound was granted with an effective date of November 26, 2008. However, the Appellant contends that she is entitled to an earlier effective date of August 2, 2003.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to clarify the severity and manifestations of the Veteran's PTSD, including during the pendency of his claim. The issues are inextricably intertwined as the TDIU claim may be affected by the outcome of the increased rating claim for PTSD.

The Veteran's left ankle disorder is not service-connected.,Prior to March 14, 2014, the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was rated as noncompensable. From March 14, 2014 onwards, it has been rated at 10 percent.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and a TDIU, finding that his service-connected disabilities do not cause unemployability.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher initial rating for PTSD was withdrawn prior to the Board issuing a decision.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development of his PTSD claim, including obtaining outstanding treatment records from the Vet Center and Bureau of Prisons.

The Board found that the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for PTSD was received on January 19, 2011, and thus an effective date prior to this date is not warranted as there were no claims filed after the final November 2006 denial but before the petition to reopen.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to delays in contacting the Veteran and scheduling a VA examination. The claim will be reconsidered after these actions are completed.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and depressive disorder render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD and MDD were rated at 70 percent prior to June 4, 2014. Beginning June 4, 2014, the rating was increased to 100 percent due to his inability to maintain employment.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have not resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a rating of no more than 30 percent.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, other than alcohol dependence. Service connection may not be granted for alcohol dependence on the basis of service incurrence or aggravation as a matter of law.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss, PTSD, or depression for VA purposes. As such, service connection cannot be granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and consideration of his TDIU claim, as well as other pending service connection issues. The AOJ must consider all evidence before issuing an SSOC.

The Veteran is entitled to an effective date of November 29, 2007 for the assignment of a 70 percent rating for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder, NOS are rated at 50 percent disabling. The Board granted a 100 percent rating for PTSD, effective April 12, 2011, but the issue of TDIU is moot due to the grant of a 100 percent rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, substance abuse, and anxiety disorder due to military sexual trauma is being remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and right knee disability have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since February 5, 2015. The Board has granted TDIU based on the schedular rating criteria.

The Veteran's appeal of whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen a claim for entitlement to service connection for a bilateral knee disability is dismissed. The Board finds that the criteria for service connection for PTSD have been met, as there is medical evidence linking current symptoms to a specific in-service stressor.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted an increased rating to 50 percent effective September 17, 2012. His bilateral hearing loss disability remains pending as the claim has been reopened but not yet decided.