Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2012

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, paranoid schizophrenia, and bilateral knee disability. The evidence did not support a diagnosis of PTSD or establish that the disabilities were incurred in service.,There was no evidence of compensably disabling psychiatric conditions within one year following discharge from active duty.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have PTSD due to stressors incurred in service and did not find evidence of an acquired psychiatric disability related to service. The claims were denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his in-service stressor of being on an amphibious vehicle which sank, and finds that he meets the criteria for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for left knee and low back disabilities were previously denied in February 2003. New evidence submitted since then is not considered material as it does not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claims.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include depression, is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records and a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his failure to report for a scheduled videoconference hearing. The case will be returned to the RO for further action.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and anxiety, was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service. The claim for sleep apnea was also denied as it is not proximately due to a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and Major Depression, was not incurred in or aggravated by his active duty service. The Board found no evidence of a stressor related to his military service that would support a diagnosis of PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's reported in-service sexual assault is corroborated by service records and establishes a current diagnosis of PTSD related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression has been reopened, and a 100% rating for schizophrenia is granted effective from May 28, 2009.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back, bilateral leg, and psychiatric disorders on a secondary basis. The Veteran must be provided with VCAA notice and his claims for secondary service connection must be addressed by the RO/AMC.

The Board found that the Veteran's schizoaffective disorder had its onset during service and is related to his military experience, leading to a grant of service connection.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical opinions and records.

The Veteran's claim is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his acquired psychiatric disorder, as well as the severity of his service-connected peripheral neuropathy. The issue of TDIU will also be addressed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to ensure full compliance with the duty to assist, including obtaining SSA records and VA treatment records. A heart disability examination is also required.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for another hearing before the Veterans Law Judge.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for scheduling a hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals at his regional office. The issues include service connection claims and rating determinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and therefore, service connection for CFS is denied. The claims of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, anxiety, and depression), and for substance abuse are REMANDED.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine if any acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD is related to or had its onset in service, including as secondary to a service-connected disability. The Veteran's right ankle disability was also considered.