Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2011

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation for his service-connected gout, as there is no current diagnosis of gout or associated symptoms. The Veteran's arthritis of multiple joints and right shoulder osteoarthritis are found to be related to active military service.

The Veteran seeks service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and a disorder characterized by memory loss. The case is being remanded to obtain additional records from the Veteran's service department and his private physician.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a search of the Veteran's service records and exposure to chemical and biological agents at Dugway Proving Grounds. Additional medical opinions are also needed regarding the relationship between the Veteran's current conditions and his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to stressor verification and a need for another psychiatric examination. The claim will be reconsidered after these steps are completed.

The Board has ordered additional development due to the need for consideration of multiple psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered after this additional development.

The Veteran's claims regarding the reopening of service connection for residuals of a back injury, migraine headaches, and schizoaffective disorder or schizophrenia are being remanded due to incomplete records and procedural issues.

The Board has granted service connection for antiphospholipid syndrome, to include skin manifestations. The issue of reopening the claim for depression is also granted.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability and an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD, including as due to a low back disability. The Veteran's claims were based on her in-service experiences, but the VA opinion found no credible evidence supporting these assertions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, has been denied as he does not have a current Axis I diagnosis of a chronic psychiatric disorder.

The Board has determined that the April 1979 rating decision denying service connection for schizophrenia was based on clear and unmistakable error, thus reversing the decision.

The Board found that the Veteran failed to report for VA examinations scheduled in conjunction with his claims. As a result, the claim of service connection for a psychiatric disorder is denied due to lack of evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as major depressive disorder, can be reasonably associated with his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's in-service assault and subsequent mental health issues, including PTSD, are service-connected.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for PTSD, but denied both the PTSD and prostate cancer claims on their merits. The acquired psychiatric disorder issue remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and examinations. The issue of service connection for a psychiatric disability, specifically including pain intolerance, must also be adjudicated in compliance with the Board's April 2010 remand order.

The Veteran's skin disability, which includes tinea versicolor with variously diagnosed skin rash, has been rated at 60 percent since March 31, 2010. The condition requires constant or near-constant systemic therapy such as corticosteroids and affects more than 40 percent of his body.

The Board has determined that the submitted evidence does not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, and thus the claim is denied.

The Board has determined that an effective date of September 1, 2005 is warranted for the assignment of a 60 percent disability evaluation for service-connected residuals of gallbladder removal.

The Board has determined that sufficient evidence is of record to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection, and these issues will be addressed in a remand portion of the decision.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining her Social Security Administration records and conducting further examinations to address outstanding VA benefits issues.