Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2011

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found that tinnitus was not incurred in or aggravated by active service, a back disorder and neck disorder were first shown after service and following post-service injuries, and hearing loss did not meet the criteria for an initial compensable rating.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to clarify the nature and etiology of the Veteran's current psychiatric disability, including whether it is related to his period of active military service. The case is being remanded for further action.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sinusitis, a psychiatric disorder (claimed as major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder with panic attacks, and/or PTSD), and hypertension have all been denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not engage in combat with the enemy, her assertions regarding an in-service stressor are lacking in credibility, and there is no evidence of chronicity of symptoms post-service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy of the right hand and a psychiatric disorder) are of such severity that they prevent him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case due to notification requirements for PTSD claims based on in-service personal assault and the need to obtain outstanding VA treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of her right leg disability was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating than the current 20 percent assigned.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for lung disability, lupus erythematosus, and psychiatric disorder (PTSD), but denied reopening of the claim for heart condition. The rating for bilateral hearing loss remains at 10%.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to January 5, 2007 for service connection of paranoid schizophrenia has been granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's psychiatric disorder, including schizophrenia and dysthymic disorder, is related to his active duty service. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings and service connection due to unclear action on TDIU, and because of a need for additional medical opinions regarding psychiatric disorders and spine disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's psychiatric disorder is not related to his active duty service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as there was no evidence of a current disability, and the claimed conditions are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his lumbar spine condition and psychiatric disorders, preclude him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and industrial background.

The Board has received notification of the appellant's request to withdraw this appeal, and therefore, the appeal is dismissed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disability (to include PTSD) and claustrophobia were denied as there is no competent medical evidence or opinion linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's bipolar disorder did not have onset during service and is not otherwise related to service, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claim for a psychiatric disorder, identified as insomnia, is granted. The TDIU and increased evaluation claims are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and special monthly pension are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional records, including SSA disability determination and personnel file. A VA examination is also required.

The Veteran was granted service connection for PTSD, which is related to verified in-service stressors.,Service connection was denied for a neurological disorder of the legs due to diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's schizophrenia was found to be incurred or aggravated by service-connected postoperative residuals, right radical orchiectomy. His claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities is pending.