Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2009

The Board found that the Veteran did not have a diagnosed psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, related to his military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder and low back disorder, finding that new evidence did not materialize to reopen these previously denied claims. The claim for PTSD was also denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's current psychiatric disorder, schizophrenia, undifferentiated type, did not manifest until more than 20 years after his separation from service and is not related to service. The claim was denied.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection of schizophrenia and determined that new evidence supports a finding that the Veteran's current condition likely began during his period of active service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining outstanding medical records and providing VCAA notice.

The Board has ordered additional development due to the need for Social Security Administration records and will consider the issues of service connection again after these records are obtained.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the schedular requirements for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, which includes bipolar disorder with psychotic features. The issue is now on the merits.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), a colon disorder, and a psychiatric disorder. The evidence did not establish new and material evidence to reopen the claim for diabetes mellitus. For the other conditions, there was no competent medical evidence showing current disabilities or a link between these conditions and military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral hip disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding no medical evidence linking these conditions to his active duty service or any service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including chronic fatigue syndrome and swelling of the joints. The Veteran's claims for GERD, hypertension, and memory loss are pending.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder due to new evidence received since the last denial. The case is now remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disorder and a psychiatric disorder, with the latter being claimed as stress. The claims were remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to new evidence submitted by the appellant and a need to verify one of his claimed stressors.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed disabilities, including left arm injury, cervical and thoracolumbar spine disability, arthritis, flat feet, and acquired psychiatric disorder, were not incurred or aggravated by active service. The claim for residuals of a left arm injury is addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is not service-connected due to his own willful misconduct and substance abuse.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA examination and Social Security Administration (SSA) records. The Veteran's claim of service connection for a psychiatric disorder based on aggravation by service is now before the Board.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder and whether it is related to service. Additional development, including a VA examination, is required.

The Board has determined that it does not have jurisdiction over the issue of whether new and material evidence had been submitted to reopen a claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, claimed as a nervous condition and depression due to lack of timely filed Substantive Appeal.