Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2010

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied service connection claims for joint pain, left ankle disability, headaches, acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD (nervous condition), seizure disorder, and disability manifested by weight loss. However, these claims remain denied as they are not related to active service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA psychiatric examination to determine the current nature and likely etiology of any diagnosed psychiatric disorder.

The Board denied an increased rating for diabetes mellitus, finding that the Veteran's condition requires insulin and restricted diet but does not necessitate regulation of activities.

The Board has reopened the claim as new and material evidence was received, indicating that the appellant may have been insane at the time of his offenses leading to his discharge under other than honorable conditions. As a result, the character of discharge is no longer considered a bar to VA benefits.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disability and an increased rating for hiatal hernia are being remanded due to the need for clarification of medical evidence and additional examinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, hypertension (secondary to diabetes mellitus), a psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression), sleep apnea (secondary to depression or PTSD), and COPD (secondary to diabetes mellitus). The decision also declined to reopen the claim for tinnitus.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, hyperlipidemia, and increased ratings for diabetes mellitus type II, diabetic nephropathy, peripheral vascular disease, and TDIU are all denied. The Board finds that the Veteran does not currently have a diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder or hyperlipidemia.

The Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder with anxiety and panic attacks, is rated at 70 percent disabling effective July 14, 2008. The issue of entitlement to a combined schedular evaluation greater than 90 percent prior to August 10, 2007 is dismissed as no justiciable case or controversy is before the Board.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that he does not meet the DSM-IV criteria for the diagnosis.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a neuropsychiatric disorder, which she attributes to her service-connected upper extremity disabilities. The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the claim can be adjudicated.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder (claimed as PTSD), residuals of a broken right ankle, hypertension, and headaches. The evidence submitted by the Veteran is considered new and material, raising a reasonable possibility that these claims may be substantiated.

The Veteran's schizophrenia was not incurred or aggravated during his active service, and the Board finds that it is less likely than not related to his military service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including chronic anxiety with depressive reaction and major depressive disorder. The appeal is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a VA psychiatric examination and considering evidence of behavioral changes following service.

The Veteran's psychiatric disorder has been rated at 30 percent since August 27, 2003. The evidence does not support a higher rating during any period.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's service connection claims for gastrointestinal disorder, migraine headache disorder, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and disorders other than PTSD), and left foot disorder. However, the claims remain denied as new and material evidence was not provided to substantiate these conditions.

The Board finds that the Veteran's currently diagnosed psychiatric disorder is related to his service-connected seborrheic dermatitis, and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to scheduling issues for a Board hearing. The case will be returned to the Board after the scheduled hearing.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions did not contribute to his death. The Board found that the immediate cause of death was myocardial infarction, but ruled out a causal link between his service-connected bilateral nephrolithiasis and his renal failure.

The Veteran's service-connected schizophrenia is currently rated at 70 percent, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.