Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2013

The Veteran's appeal for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to October 10, 2008, on an extraschedular basis has been withdrawn.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a psychiatric disorder that is attributable to his military service.

The Veteran's representative has withdrawn all issues on appeal, including the evaluation of his acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability, rated at 30 percent prior to July 22, 2009, is characterized by occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. The rating of 50 percent from July 22, 2009 to December 15, 2009, reflects the Veteran's psychiatric symptoms causing more significant impairment.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for service connection of any acquired psychiatric disability, a compensable initial rating for bilateral foot disability, and TDIU. The issues were related to the Veteran's claimed PTSD stressor at Fort Irwin Range.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder. The evidence submitted does not relate to unestablished facts necessary to substantiate the claim.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development and readjudication, including obtaining a VA medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disorder. The hepatitis C issue is also being remanded due to lack of a supplemental statement of the case.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and psychosis may not be presumed to have been so incurred.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to incomplete opinions and need for additional medical examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating in any of his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD and granted it, but denied the claim for service connection for PTSD.

The Board finds that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and anxiety, is related to his in-service sexual assault. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran does not have an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, as a result of his service. The Board has therefore denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD have been denied as there is no credible evidence of a verified in-service stressor or chronic disability related to service.

The Board found that the Veteran's psychiatric disability did not originate in service or until many years after service, and is not otherwise etiologically related to service.

The Board found that the Veteran's psychiatric disorder, whether considered an anxiety disorder or a personality disorder, was not incurred in service and is not related to his service-connected hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate notice regarding new and material evidence since the May 2007 Board decision.