Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2013

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability was not caused or aggravated by his service-connected residuals of a left fifth toe fracture, and thus denied the claim.

The Veteran's service-connected schizophrenia with depressive symptoms was not manifested by severe impairment in the ability to obtain or retain employment during the period from October 23, 1996, to November 27, 1996. The claim for an initial rating higher than 50 percent is denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to fully address the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, was not supported by evidence and denied the claim.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the etiology of the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disorders and TBI.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's timely substantive appeal for service connection for PTSD was not filed within the required timeframe, and thus the claim is denied.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, and cardiovascular disease, to include hypertension are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional VA treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, was denied as there is no verified in-service stressor and the preponderance of medical evidence does not support a link between his current condition and military service.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for erectile dysfunction, hypertension, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD) are being remanded due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the secondary nature of these conditions to his service-connected diabetes mellitus and/or coronary artery disease. Additionally, a VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran currently suffers from an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board is remanding the case for additional development, including obtaining VA, SSA and private treatment records, as well as providing the Veteran with a duty to notify and assist letter containing the correct date of the last final denial (July 20, 2000).

Throughout the entire rating period on appeal, the Veteran's PTSD with schizophrenia has been characterized by occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity due to symptoms such as social anxiety, depression, sleep impairment, irritability, recurrent and distressing recollections, and hypervigilance. The criteria for a disability rating of 50 percent have been met.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, claimed as PTSD, is related to sexual assaults in service and has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for educational assistance under the Post-9/11 GI Bill is being remanded due to incomplete records and further development is needed.

The Board has determined that a new and adequate examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disorder, as well as any relationship between his service and this condition. The claim will be remanded for further development.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a gynecological disability, bilateral knee disability, and psychiatric disorder including PTSD due to lack of evidence showing that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Veteran does not have a psychiatric disability that is the result of disease or injury incurred in or aggravated during active service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to address the claims for service connection for a skin disease and an acquired psychiatric disorder, with particular attention given to the theories of secondary service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, finding that it is related to his military service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal as to the issues of entitlement to service connection for diabetes, hypertension, and a psychiatric disorder.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for peptic ulcer disease, hepatitis C, residuals of a concussion, and an acquired psychiatric disability (including depression and bipolar disorder) as there is no evidence demonstrating current diagnoses or showing a link to service.