PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

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.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis of PTSD is related to his military service and stressors he experienced in the Dominican Republic.

The Board found that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea was not incurred in service and is not caused or aggravated by his service-connected hypertension and/or PTSD. The claim for service connection for OSA as secondary to these conditions was denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and other unspecified depressive disorders. The evidence did not meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD, and no other diagnosed condition was found to be related to service.

The Board has granted a 100% disability rating for PTSD, which is total occupational and social impairment. The Veteran's TDIU claim was also granted, as he meets the criteria due to his service-connected disabilities. SMC at the housebound rate was also granted based on the Veteran's condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus had its onset during his military service and granted service connection for this condition. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder remains pending as additional development is required.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD related to an in-service stressor and thus, service connection for PTSD cannot be established. The acquired psychiatric disorder was also deemed to be unrelated to service.