Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2013

The Veteran's service-connected schizophrenia and sinusitis do not meet the criteria for automobile and adaptive equipment or adaptive equipment only, as they do not cause permanent loss of use of one or both hands or feet, ankylosis, or permanent visual impairment.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to clarify the nature and etiology of any current psychiatric, sleep, or balance disorders. The Veteran will need to provide authorization for private medical records from his primary care physician and other relevant providers.

The Board has remanded the case for issuance of a supplemental statement of the case (SSOC) on all issues, including service connection for thyroid disorder and diabetes mellitus. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include depression will be deferred until the outcome of the thyroid disorder claim is determined.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining records from the NPRC and a private facility to corroborate the Veteran's reported stressors.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and attempting to obtain private health care provider records. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered after these actions.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current psychiatric disorder, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including schizophrenia, manic depression and bipolar disorder.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a video conference hearing. The issues include service connection for a psychiatric disorder secondary to IVDS of the thoracolumbar spine, rating for IVDS, and TDIU.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, bipolar disorder, and depression. The evidence shows that he used mescaline during service which resulted in injuries, arrest, and medical treatment. His use of mescaline was considered willful misconduct. No current diagnosis of an acquired psychiatric disorder has been established due to lack of a nexus between his claimed conditions and service.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a currently diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder, and thus service connection is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder and a right shoulder disorder, finding no new and material evidence had been submitted to reopen his previously denied claims. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, finding that the Veteran's condition clearly and unmistakably pre-existed service and was not aggravated in active service beyond natural progression.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral ankle disability, migraine headaches, and an acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD, depression, and dysthymic disorder). The appeals were not successful as new and material evidence was not provided to reopen these claims.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection of a lower back condition, bilateral knee condition, and PTSD. The claim for PTSD is granted as there is credible supporting evidence of an in-service personal assault.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a respiratory disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is not competent to manage his own funds due to his schizophrenia, and thus cannot receive direct payment of VA benefits.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records and medical opinions regarding his service-connected disabilities and their impact on his ability to work.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and alcoholism as secondary to a pre-existing condition should be remanded due to incomplete records, including missing service treatment records and personnel records. The Veteran is asked to provide information about his medical history prior to military service.

The Veteran's son is eligible for Chapter 35 education benefits due to his legal disability and the appellant was unable to enroll in a course of study due to psychiatric issues. The Board grants extension of basic eligibility beyond February [redacted], 2012.

The Board found no evidence of current or chronic tonsillitis, and the Veteran's lay statements regarding his throat pain were not competent medical evidence. The VA examiner concluded there is no objective evidence to substantiate a current or chronic tonsil disability. There is also no currently diagnosed psychiatric disorder related to service.