Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2009

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders were not shown to be etiologically related to service, and his PTSD claim was denied due to lack of verified in-service stressor.

The Board denied service connection for a back disorder and a psychiatric disorder, finding that the Veteran's statements regarding in-service injuries were not credible and that there was no medical evidence of chronic or continuous symptoms prior to 2001.

The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise regarding whether the Veteran's currently-shown psychiatric disorder, including schizophrenia, is related to service. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's right ankle disability was found to be manifested by complaints of pain and limited motion, but did not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen claims for service connection for skin disability, bilateral eye disability, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, or psychiatric disability (PTSD).

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 100 percent disability rating for his psychiatric disorder is dismissed as the September 1992 decision granting the rating and setting the effective date to July 2, 1983 is final.

The Board has determined that additional VA treatment records and Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits records are needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claim for service connection of a psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's psychiatric condition is characterized by anxiety, irritability, insomnia, social avoidance, and at least one instance of hyperstartle response. However, it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as his symptoms do not result in deficiencies in most areas such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA disability records and VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to outstanding medical records and a need for further examination.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, anxiety, and insomnia, is service-connected. His peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities has been rated at 40 percent.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, finding that there is no current disability related to his military service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been presented to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including posttraumatic stress disorder. The Veteran's attempt to present such evidence was unsuccessful.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine condition, lumbar spine condition, right hand condition, and psychiatric disorder. The claim for a compensable evaluation for laceration scars of the left hand was not addressed in this decision.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD with depression) and denied service connection for an ear disability (bilateral hearing loss). The Veteran's PTSD is linked to a verified in-service stressor, while his bilateral hearing loss did not manifest during or within one year after service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current psychiatric disorders that may be present.

The Board has granted DIC benefits on behalf of the Veteran's children, F., G., and C. as they are considered illegitimate children.

The Veteran's tinea cruris is rated at a 10 percent disability rating, effective from the date of the decision. The psychiatric disorder claim remains pending.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a psychiatric disorder, claimed as secondary to his service-connected disability, is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and opinion.