Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2010

The Board found that the Veteran's low back, left hip, and mental disorders were not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The evidence did not support a finding of direct service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his inability to attend a scheduled hearing. The issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, digestive disorder (GERD), and coronary artery disease are still pending.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and VA treatment records. The issue of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, is inextricably intertwined with the claim on appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current back disorder or acquired psychiatric disorder that is related to service. The VA examinations and medical records do not support a link between his current conditions and events during service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for pneumonia, an acquired psychiatric disability, residuals of a back injury, a pulmonary (chest) disability, and a nasal disability. The decision is based on the lack of evidence showing that these conditions were incurred or aggravated during his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and clarification of certain aspects.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left shoulder disorder, hypertension, coronary artery disease, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD). The claim for bilateral pes planus was not addressed as it had already been previously denied.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU is denied as it is not factually ascertainable that he was unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disability prior to October 5, 2006.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disorder, myofascial pain syndrome, low back disorder, and bilateral vision disorders were not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and a VA psychiatric examination to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is related to her military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient verification of stressors and a need for further examination. The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is pending.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, which was previously denied in July 1978 and August 1996. The appellant's current psychiatric disabilities are considered unrelated to his military service.

The Veteran's rating for his service-connected psychiatric disability was reduced from 100% to 70% in August 1953, and subsequently increased back to 100% until the Veteran's death. The Appellant argues that this reduction constituted clear and unmistakable error.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a review of medical opinions and an examination to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is related to his service-connected low back disability or other service-connected conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's costochondritis, claimed as chest/sternal pain, is likely related to her period of active service. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including dysthymia or bipolar disorder, will be addressed in the REMAND portion.

The Board found that there is no verified stressor event to support a diagnosis of PTSD, and the Veteran's service records do not reflect any specific stressful events. The preponderance of evidence does not establish a causal relationship between the Veteran's military service and his current psychiatric disorders.

The Board found that there is no competent medical evidence linking the Veteran's current psychiatric disability to his period of service. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board denied service connection for a lumbar spine disorder, cardiovascular disorder, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased initial ratings for his low back and cervical spine disabilities have been remanded by the Board. The Veteran is service-connected for a low back disorder and cervical strain and degenerative joint disease, and he asserts that his depression is caused by these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and verifying the Veteran's dates of service. The issues include entitlement to service connection for various conditions.