Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2011

The Board determined that the Veteran's preexisting psychiatric disorder did not undergo a clinically-identifiable increase in severity during his period of active military service, and therefore concluded that it was not aggravated by service.

The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and the appellant is not entitled to dependency and indemnity compensation or nonservice-connected death pension benefits.

The Veteran's sleep apnea was initially rated at 0 percent, but since May 13, 2008, he has been assigned a 50 percent rating. The appeal is mixed as it concerns both the initial compensable rating and higher ratings since May 13, 2008.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee, left ankle, bilateral wrist conditions, and an acquired psychiatric disorder were denied. The Board found no evidence of current disabilities or in-service events that could be linked to these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining records from SSA, seeking authorization for certain medical records, and arranging for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's psychiatric disability (including PTSD) and low back disability are related to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there was no clear and unmistakable evidence of a pre-existing condition prior to service or any aggravation during service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed in order to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining service records and addressing her claims for service connection.

The Veteran's medical conditions do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance of another person or being housebound.

The Veteran's service-connected schizophrenia contributed to his death by causing him to place himself in a dangerous situation, which led to his electrocution and fall from the roof of his home.

The Board found that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder. The heart disorder claim was denied as there is no competent medical evidence linking any current cardiac condition to her period of active duty training.

The Board found that there is no competent medical evidence establishing a diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder based on an in-service traumatic event or stressor. The acquired psychiatric disorder was not shown to have onset during service, nor within one year of separation from service. The weight of the competent medical evidence is against finding a nexus between the post-service diagnosis of a psychiatric disorder and service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right shoulder impingement and microcytic anemia, as well as service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support granting any of these claims.

The Veteran does not have an acquired psychiatric disorder that was caused or aggravated by his service, or by a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for genu recurvatum of the left lower extremity was denied due to lack of new and material evidence.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was reopened based on new evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for a video-conference hearing and further review of the claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pre-existing depressive disorder was aggravated by his period of active duty service from February 2003 to August 2004, and thus service connection for a psychiatric disability is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, finding that the Veteran's claimed stressors are supported by medical evidence and his testimony. The claim is now fully granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining records from Social Security Administration and National Guard, conducting a VA audiology examination, and scheduling a psychiatric examination. The Veteran's claims of service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and PTSD are on appeal.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and examination to address the claims of service connection for various disabilities, including PTSD based on in-service personal assault. The VA will obtain relevant medical records from SSA and schedule examinations to determine if any current psychiatric or neurological conditions are related to service.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain an updated VA examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's ability to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to her service-connected back disability and psychiatric disabilities. The case will be returned for further adjudication.