Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2011

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including scoliosis, a low back disability, bilateral foot and leg disability, an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD, migraines, bilateral hearing loss disability, and tinnitus. The decision found that these conditions were not incurred or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's service connection claims for psychiatric disability, including PTSD, and heart disease, including ischemic heart disease, were denied as there was no credible evidence of an in-service stressor sufficient to support a diagnosis of PTSD. The Board also found that the current heart disorder is not related to service or any service-connected condition.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly address the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical opinions regarding his psychiatric and spine conditions.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for schizophrenia and posttraumatic stress disorder, finding that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current sensitivity to cold temperature of the right index finger is related to an injury sustained during service, and thus grants service connection for this condition. The claims for a mental disorder and chemical dependency are remanded as additional evidence is needed. Service connection for hepatitis A, B and/or C will also be remanded due to insufficient information in the record.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any current acquired psychiatric disorder, including verification of an in-service stressor. The Veteran's claim will be remanded for a VA examination and opinion.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to substantiate the Veteran's claims for service connection, including obtaining medical records and verifying a stressor event.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate medical opinions in his October 2009 VA examination report and a need for additional development, including psychiatric examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pre-existing psychiatric disorder, specifically schizophreniform disorder, did not increase in severity during service and was a natural progression of the condition. Therefore, service connection is denied.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is being remanded for a VA examination to determine its relationship to his service-connected ruptured left biceps and rotator cuff tear, or if it was aggravated by the service-connected condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including verification of stressor events and obtaining VA treatment records. He also needs to undergo examinations for his claimed psychiatric disability, headaches, hearing loss, tinnitus, lumbar spine disorder, stress fractures of the ankles, and stress fractures of the feet.

The Board found that the Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as new and material evidence was not submitted to reopen his August 1982 RO administrative decision, which held that injuries incurred in a December 7, 1980 motorcycle accident were not incurred in line of duty. The Board also determined that there is no direct link between the Veteran's current disabilities and service.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for left knee arthroplasty and TDIU were denied. The VA examiner found that the Veteran's left knee disability, following total knee replacement in 2006, did not meet criteria for a higher evaluation based on ankylosis or limitation of motion.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to allow for a video conference hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals. The issues on appeal include service connection claims and reopening claims for various disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder and major depression, were rated at 30 percent from October 26, 2004 to September 21, 2007, and then increased to 50 percent effective September 22, 2007.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for acquired psychiatric disability, heart disease, hypertension, and endocarditis. The evidence did not show that these conditions began during or were otherwise caused by his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disorder and left epididymitis do not render him in need of regular aid and attendance or housebound, as his nonservice-connected orthopedic disorders are more severely disabling.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this claim.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD was denied as the evidence did not establish a link between his in-service stressors and current psychiatric disability.