Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2012

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection for a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD prior to the Board's decision.

The Board found that the Veteran's pre-existing paranoid schizophrenia did not permanently worsen beyond its normal clinical progression during active military service and thus denied service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for service connection as her claimed psychiatric disorder is not shown to be related to active duty service.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right ankle disability, finding that it is likely due to injuries sustained during his military service. The claim of service connection for an innocidentally acquired psychiatric disorder remains pending.

The Board found that the Veteran's asthma did not clearly and unmistakably exist prior to service, but was not aggravated by his service-connected allergic rhinitis. The psychiatric disorder claim was also denied as there is no clear evidence of its onset in service.

The Board found that the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorder is not related to his military service and denied his claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in the diagnosis and need for further development regarding the Veteran's claimed PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD related to his military service and that other psychiatric disorders are not linked to his service. As such, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining records from prison facilities and reviewing VA treatment records. The appeal will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that this rating adequately reflects his current disability level.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have an abdominal or liver disorder related to service, and his headache disorder is not related to military service. The psychiatric disorder claim was not addressed as it did not involve a service connection issue.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for scoliosis, headaches, and an acquired psychiatric disorder were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not have a pre-existing condition of scoliosis prior to service, and her current back disability was not aggravated by military service.,There is no evidence linking the Veteran's headache or psychiatric disorders directly to her military service.

The Veteran's current diagnosed psychiatric disability, including panic disorder without agoraphobia but with claustrophobia and anxiety disorder, is attributable to service.

The case is being remanded for additional development, including providing notice regarding personal assault claims and associating medical records. A clarifying opinion from a VA psychiatrist on the question of whether any currently manifested psychiatric disorder first manifested during active service or is related to event(s) during active service will also be obtained.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain medical records, arrange for examinations, and consider the claims.

The Veteran's death prevented payment of the withheld VA compensation due to his failure to obtain a required surety bond, as mandated by VA regulations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, claimed as PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and verification of a reported stressor.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and scheduling VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his psychiatric disorder, lung disability, back disability, left leg disability, and right leg disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, thyroid disability, and psychiatric disability are all denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or link to service.

The Board has remanded the case for a Travel Board hearing due to the appellant's request. The appeal is not yet decided on the merits of service connection.