Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2010

The Board found that the Veteran's psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder and schizoaffective disorder, are not service-connected due to lack of evidence showing an in-service onset or aggravation. The head trauma claim is also denied.

The Board has granted service connection for paranoid schizophrenia. The left knee disability claim is being remanded due to inadequate VCAA notice.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain VA examination reports and treatment records, as well as to schedule the Veteran for additional examinations if necessary. The case will be reviewed again after these actions are completed.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, chondromalacia of the knees, and a low back condition. The claims are now considered substantiated.

The Board has determined that a VA examination and opinion are needed to determine if the Veteran's current psychiatric disorder, including depression with insomnia, is related to his military service. The claim will be remanded for these actions.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including verification of in-service stressors and obtaining Social Security Administration records. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered based on all available evidence.

The Veteran's widow is seeking accrued benefits for the Veteran's psychiatric disorder, which may be secondary to a service-connected disability. The claim will be remanded to consider additional VA treatment records from Jacksonville OPC.

The Board is remanding the case to obtain VA treatment records from the Veteran's last hospitalization and to determine if his death was caused by a service-connected condition.

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

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining private treatment records and VA examinations to determine the etiology of any identified nasal/sinus disorder and psychiatric disorder.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, fibromyalgia, and a lumbar spine disorder. The evidence received since the last denial was not new and material to reopen any of these claims.

The Veteran's service-connected tinea versicolor is rated at 30 percent, which approximates the criteria for eczema with exudation or itching constant, extensive lesions, or marked disfigurement.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and an examination to determine if the Veteran's current depression is related to service.

The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 40 percent for discogenic disease of the lumbosacral spine was denied. The claims to reopen service connection for depression and tendonitis of the left shoulder were also denied, as well as the claim for sleep apnea.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disorder due to new evidence. The Veteran was granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, based on his reported combat experiences in service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a VA psychiatric examination to determine the nature, date of onset and etiology of any currently diagnosed psychiatric disorder. The Veteran is required to cooperate in this process.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, including as secondary to hypertension and depression, has been denied.

The Board found no evidence of a diagnosis of PTSD and concluded that the Veteran's psychiatric disorder is not related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's failure to report for a VA examination, and another attempt should be made to schedule him for the requested examination.