Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2010

The December 1973 rating decision incorrectly concluded that the Veteran's paranoid schizophrenia was drug-induced and not incurred in service, when in fact it was diagnosed as occurring during his active duty. The Board found this to be clear and unmistakable error.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, and arterial hypertension (hypertension), finding that the Veteran's claimed stressors are not combat-related. The claim is reopened due to new evidence received since the last final denial.

The Veteran's L4-L5 laminectomy/diskectomy performed in November or December 2007, and associated convalescence thereafter, were unrelated to his service-connected lumbosacral strain. Therefore, the claim for a temporary total rating based on need for convalescence following hospital treatment was denied.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for further development and consideration of the Veteran's claims, including a psychiatric examination and issuance of a Statement of the Case (SOC) regarding the issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, to include depression.

The evidence does not support the Veteran's claim that his current psychiatric disorder is related to his period of active service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for TMJ and an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there was no evidence to support these claims.

The Board has determined that the VA examination provided in June 2009 is inadequate for determining whether service connection for a psychiatric disability is warranted. The Veteran's claim will be remanded to obtain an updated opinion from another physician with appropriate expertise.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for paranoid schizophrenia has been dismissed as he has abandoned the appeal by failing to respond to requests for information and evidence essential for a proper determination on the merits of his appeal.

The Board is remanding the case to obtain missing VA treatment records and possibly arrange for a new medical examination, as these may impact whether new and material evidence has been received in this case.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and GAD, is considered to be related to his service. Service connection for these conditions has been granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to verify the Veteran's claimed stressful events in service and to determine if he meets the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for sleep apnea. The issue of whether service connection is warranted for a psychiatric disorder remains unresolved.

The Board has remanded the case due to missing service treatment records and other relevant documents. The Veteran's claims for service connection are being reviewed, but further evidence is needed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is being remanded due to inadequate VCAA notice and the need to address other diagnosed mental disorders.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that his service-connected conditions did not contribute substantially or materially to his death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's paranoid schizophrenia with depression is as likely as not related to his military service, and thus grants service connection for these conditions.

The Board is remanding the case for further development and medical opinions regarding the onset and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder and hypertension. The claims will be reconsidered after these actions are completed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's schizoaffective disorder is causally related to his military service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, an eye disorder, and a psychiatric disorder were denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities or in-service events that could be linked to these conditions.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder due to new evidence submitted, including a diagnosis of dementia and brain damage related to exposure to toxic substances in service. The Veteran's current condition is being evaluated further.