Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2012

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated psychiatric treatment records and ensuring that all relevant VA medical records are of record.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's schizophrenia did not manifest in service or within one year of discharge, and there is no evidence to support a connection between his military service and his current condition.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's heart disease and psychiatric disorder, as well as whether these conditions are related to his military service. The case will be remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board found no credible evidence of a current psychiatric disorder related to service and denied the claim for service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, finding no current diagnosis of such condition and thus denying the claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted, as a valid diagnosis of PTSD was established based on the amended regulations. Service connection for hemorrhoids is denied due to lack of evidence linking the condition to military service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD and a depressive disorder, finding that his experiences in active duty service are consistent with the places, types, and circumstances of his service. The Veteran was also diagnosed with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentations as a result of his time in active duty.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records and verification of Vietnam service.

The Board has granted a 100 percent schedular rating for schizophrenia effective from November 21, 2008. The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection and the grant of a 100 percent rating was denied.

The Board finds that the evidence is in approximate balance as to whether the Veteran's current psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as schizoaffective disorder, had its onset during active service. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, causally related to active service.

The Board found no evidence of a psychiatric disability in service and concluded that the Veteran's schizophrenia is not related to his military service.

The Board found no credible evidence linking the Veteran's current spine and hip disabilities to her service, or any reported fall injury during service. The Veteran does not have a diagnosed PTSD.

The Veteran has been granted service connection for Type II diabetes mellitus due to exposure to Agent Orange during his military service in Korea. Service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, dysthymic disorder, and adjustment disorder, is also granted based on the presumption of exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral foot DJD and plantar spurs as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected left knee and ankle disability, headaches as secondary to his cervical spine disability, and acquired psychiatric disorder (depression). Service connection for residuals of a nose fracture and hypertension was denied.

The Board finds that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is at least as likely as not related to his period of active service, and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for right foot and ankle disability, finding that the Veteran's current disability is at least as likely as not attributable to documented in-service injuries. The claims for heart disability and psychiatric disability are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD secondary to sexual assault. The claim is granted as the evidence supports a link between the Veteran's current symptoms and his in-service sexual assault.

The Veteran's right ankle disorder, claimed as the residuals of a ruptured right Achilles tendon, was not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining Vet Center records and determining if the Veteran's prostate cancer is related to ionizing radiation exposure during service. The claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) are also being considered.