Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2011

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied service-connection claim for PTSD, but has determined that there is no evidence to support a finding of service connection for any acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosis of schizophrenia is related to his military service, and therefore grants the claim for service connection.

The Board has ordered the Veteran's service records and VA treatment records to be obtained, as well as a new opinion from a psychiatrist. The appeal will be remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, did not begin during service and is not otherwise related to service. Therefore, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary prior to the adjudication of the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and an acquired psychiatric disability, including generalized anxiety disorder. The case must be remanded to obtain all available service treatment records and personnel records from his active duty service and National Guard service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as depression and PTSD, is found to be etiologically related to service. The claim for Epstein-Barr virus and low back disability are remanded for further development.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have PTSD or any other psychiatric disability due to his military service and denied his claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the nature and etiology of his psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and his degenerative arthritis of the feet. The claims will be reconsidered after this development.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for multiple sclerosis and remanded his claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus due to additional development.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, including OCD and depressive disorder NOS, is related to his service. His hypertension is not shown to be directly related to his service or service-connected PTSD.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain the Veteran's service treatment records and National Guard medical records, as well as evidence related to his Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits decision. The case will be remanded for these purposes.

The Board has restored the 20 percent ratings for the Veteran's right and left knee disabilities, effective November 1, 2008. The increased rating claims for both knees have been denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as PTSD, a nervous condition, clinical depression, anxiety, insomnia and night sweats) and HIV. The evidence did not support a link between these conditions and active service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, manifested by depression and anxiety are being remanded due to the need for additional development including verification of stressors and examination.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to the death of the appellant during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board has ordered additional development to obtain Social Security Administration and welfare department records, as these may be relevant to the Veteran's claims. The case will be remanded for further action.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Travel Board hearing and clarification of his representation. The issues of service connection for PTSD, depression, and COPD are still pending.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining service personnel records and corroborating stressors. The case will be reviewed again after these steps are completed.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claims of entitlement to service connection for a skin disorder, diabetes mellitus, a seizure disorder, and a psychiatric disorder. The claims are therefore denied.

The Board has remanded the case to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's low back disability and acquired psychiatric disorder, as well as to ensure that all relevant records are associated with his claims file.