Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2013

The Board has determined that there is no probative evidence to support the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, and a sleep disorder. The Veteran's reported stressors are not related to combat or fear of hostile military activity.

The Veteran's death was not due to a service-connected disability, and the appellant did not pay for the funeral expenses. Therefore, the claim for nonservice-connected burial benefits beyond $650 is denied.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for additional action, including a VA examination and clarification of the examiner's opinions regarding the Veteran's pre-existing mental disorder and its aggravation during service.

The Board has remanded the case back to the RO for additional development, including scheduling a Travel Board hearing.

The Board found that the Veteran's psychiatric disorder did not manifest during service and is not attributable to service, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and/or schizophrenia in April 2003. The Veteran's new evidence does not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the Veteran's claims, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling him for examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his service and he was granted service connection for it. The Veteran also received a 10% rating for tinnitus effective June 4, 2008.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred on May 11, 2010 were reimbursed as the emergency treatment was necessary due to a serious threat to his health and delay in seeking immediate care would have been hazardous.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim regarding whether his stab wounds were incurred in the line of duty or due to willful misconduct. The evidence shows that he was injured during a confrontation with another Marine, and while it is not clear if this was an act of willful misconduct, the Board finds that the injuries occurred in the line of duty. Service connection for PTSD and depression has also been granted as the Veteran's psychiatric disorder is related to his service experience.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability for which service connection can be granted, specifically for her right knee and left foot callus of the 5th metatarsal head. As such, these claims are denied.

The Board found that the Veteran does not meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD and denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, concluding that there is no link between current symptoms and in-service stressors.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was denied as he does not currently have a diagnosed condition during the appeal period. The other claims were also denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and issuing a statement of the case on his claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected psychiatric disability, and thus denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a diagnosis for PTSD and therefore, service connection cannot be granted. The claim is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a psychiatric examination. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The case is being remanded for further evaluation and determination of whether the Veteran's current psychiatric condition is related to his military service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically schizophrenia. The Veteran's current diagnosis of schizophrenia is found to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a concussion, lung disorder (including bronchiectasis), cardiac disorder (including arteriosclerotic heart disease with angina pectoris), and psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) has been granted.