PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

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.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since August 10, 2004. The appeal for a higher rating remains pending.

The Board has granted an effective date of November 18, 2003 for the grant of service connection for PTSD and SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's PTSD was manifested by symptoms such as chronic sleep impairment with nightmares, depression, anxiety, hyperstartle reflex, anger, and irritability. The Board found that these symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and PTSD, and the Board does not have jurisdiction to review these issues.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, depressive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder do not meet the criteria for a TDIU on an extraschedular basis as his employment experience has shown he is capable of engaging in substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for additional development, including obtaining a VA examination and affording the appellant an opportunity for a hearing before the Board.