Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2012

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD, an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, a neck disability, and hypertension as new and material evidence was not received to reopen these claims. The Board also found that there is no medical evidence linking these disabilities to active duty service.

The Board found that the Veteran's right knee disorder and acquired psychiatric disorder (depression) were not incurred in or aggravated by service, as there was no evidence of a current disability related to service. The Board also noted that the vertigo claim could not be decided without additional examination.

The Board has determined that the appellant's September 17, 1981 letter to Senator Robert C. Byrd constituted an informal claim for service connection of psychiatric disability. As a result, the effective date for this grant is set at September 17, 2012.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and bipolar disorder, were incurred in active duty service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including scheduling a personal hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the RO.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to determine if the appellant was permanently incapable of self-support before turning 18 years old, and this case is being remanded for further action.

The Veteran's psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, psychotic disorder, and major depressive disorder, was incurred in or caused by his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a heart disability, deep vein thrombosis of the left leg, pulmonary embolism, and residuals of cold weather injuries to both upper and lower extremities, were denied. The Board found no evidence linking these disabilities to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for retroactive payment of VA disability compensation from August 1, 1973 to April 16, 2008, finding that the preponderance of evidence was against the claim.

The Board has determined that there is no competent, persuasive evidence to support the Veteran's claims for service connection for a seizure disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The Veteran's assertions of current symptoms are not credible when considered in light of other statements made by him.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and for a new and material evidence claim for compulsive gambling was denied as there is no established service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD, an acquired psychiatric disability including major depressive disorder and depression, diabetes mellitus, type II, and obstructive sleep apnea. The Board found that there was no evidence to support a diagnosis of PTSD due to in-service stressors or exposure to herbicides. Service treatment records did not show any mental health issues during service, and the Veteran's psychiatric state at separation was normal.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder was not incurred or aggravated by active military service and denied the claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD, but finds that his schizoaffective disorder is related to service. The claim for PTSD is denied as there was no in-service stressor and no evidence of continuity of symptomatology. However, the claim for schizoaffective disorder is granted as it is found to be secondary to service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD. However, it determined that new and material evidence had not been submitted to substantiate his claims.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for right ankle condition, low back disability, and psychiatric disability. The Board found no evidence to support these claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need to verify his periods of active duty, ACDUTRA, and INACDUTRA in the Army Reserves. The VA will obtain these records and provide a supplemental statement of the case if any benefit sought remains denied.

The Board found that there was no evidence of an acquired psychiatric disability, residuals of a right broken ankle, tinnitus, or bilateral hearing loss during active service. As such, the Veteran's claims for these conditions were denied.

The Board has reopened the claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, claimed as bipolar disorder. The case is now remanded for further development and consideration.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including schizophrenia. As such, the claim is denied.