Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2012

The Veteran does not have a service-connectable psychiatric disorder and the reported symptoms have not been objectively verified, leading to denial of his claim.

The Board has denied reopening of the previously-denied claims for service connection for PTSD, an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, multiple substance and alcohol abuse, residuals of Agent Orange exposure, headaches, chronic bronchitis, and mood disorder. The evidence received since the previous denial does not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate these claims.

The Board found that the appellant's schizophrenia did not start in service or within one year of service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to April 27, 2005 for service connection of PTSD and bladder drain scars have been granted. Service connection was established for PTSD and bladder drain scars with a non-compensable evaluation as of April 27, 2005.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left ear hearing loss, psychiatric disability (to include major depressive disorder), and sleep disorder. The decision found that there was no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and active duty service.

The Board dismissed the appellant's claim for equitable relief as a matter of accrued benefits because it does not have jurisdiction to adjudicate such claims.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated at 80 percent, and his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) results in a total disability rating based on individual unemployability. The RO has granted these claims.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, and his higher initial rating claim for peptic ulcer disease due to additional development being required.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims of service connection for a chronic thoracolumbar disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder, but dismissed his appeal regarding the left shoulder issue.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder and bilateral lower extremities disorder are not related to his military service. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records from Tampa, Florida. The appeal will be reconsidered after this additional development.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disabilities clearly and unmistakably preexisted service and were not aggravated by service. The claims for back disability and tinnitus are denied as there is no evidence of onset during or related to service.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is necessary to determine the etiology of the Veteran's hepatitis B, sciatica, sleep apnea, diabetes mellitus, type II, hypertension, and psychiatric disorder (depression).

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and found that new evidence supports this. However, the claim for residuals of a heart attack and a respiratory disorder remains denied as there is no direct or secondary service connection established.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for scheduling a video conference hearing at the Milwaukee, Wisconsin RO. The issues of service connection and TDIU are still pending.

The Board dismissed the appeal because the appellant requested to withdraw his appeal before the decision was made.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to determine if the Veteran was deployed to Iraq and whether her current spine condition is related to service. The claims for PTSD will be remanded as well.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including a left knee disability, lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, cardiovascular disabilities, PTSD, and an acquired psychiatric disability. The decision found that these conditions were not incurred or aggravated by active service.

The Veteran's fatigue, headaches, memory problems, diverticulosis, anxiety, GERD, and sleep disorder are found to be due to undiagnosed illness during service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding a rating in excess of 50 percent for bilateral pes planus with degenerative joint disease and hallux valgus. The remaining issues are addressed below.