Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2012

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to inadequate opinions and compliance with prior remand directives.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, which is now subject to further development on its merits.

The Veteran's initial disability ratings for his service-connected conditions have been maintained at 10 percent. The appeals were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was granted with a rating of 50% effective March 29, 2007. The Board determined that the July 7, 2005 submission should be considered the formal date of claim and thus the effective date is set at this time.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to September 20, 2000 for the grant of service connection for chronic schizophrenia, paranoid type. The decision found that all prior claims were abandoned and thus could not be used as a basis for an earlier effective date.

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is rated at 40 percent, and service connection for her psychiatric disorder (anxiety disorder, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder) is granted. The rating for the lumbar spine disability remains unchanged.

The Board denied service connection for a psychiatric disorder due to military sexual trauma and did not reach the issue of a higher rating for chronic prostatitis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation, thus granting his claim for TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's psychiatric disability, variously diagnosed, is etiologically related to active service and grants the claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the previously denied claims for service connection for a left shoulder disability, an acquired psychiatric disorder, or sleep difficulties. The claim for TDIU is also under consideration.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for a low back disorder. The Veteran's current low back disorder is found to be related to her service-connected right knee disability, warranting service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to scheduling issues and will provide a new opportunity for a personal hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.

The Veteran's low back disability is found to be related to his active service, and he is granted service connection for this condition. The issue of service connection for psychiatric disability other than PTSD remains pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's head injury residuals are service-connected and her acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and PTSD, is also service-connected based on direct evidence of a link between current symptoms and in-service events.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to questions regarding the exact nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disorder. The Veteran was hospitalized in service for an adjustment reaction, but his current diagnoses include alcohol and substance dependence, as well as other conditions such as bipolar disorder, intermittent explosive disorder, and personality disorders.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, and a back disability. The Veteran's reported stressors were not verified, and his acquired psychiatric disorders are not etiologically related to his service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD, an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, and alcohol dependence. The claims were based on the Veteran's reported symptoms and treatment records but did not involve any specific in-service stressors or exposure to known risk factors.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, mood disorder, anxiety disorder, cognitive disorder, and psychotic disorder. The evidence did not show a current diagnosis of PTSD.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral hearing loss. The evidence did not support the presence of these conditions due to military service.