Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2013

The Board found that the Veteran's reported history of pre-existing psychiatric conditions does not constitute clear and unmistakable evidence to rebut the presumption of soundness at entry into service. The competent and credible evidence fails to support a finding that the Veteran currently has PTSD or any other acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, etiologically related to his period of active military service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, with reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran. The claims for increased ratings for left shoulder and right knee disabilities are remanded.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this claim.

The Board denied service connection for a chronic low back disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder (depression) as the evidence did not establish that these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that another remand is necessary to obtain an opinion on the etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder and to address his TDIU claim, which is dependent on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appendectomy scar is rated at 10 percent, and the claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD) has been granted.

The Board found that the Veteran did not have a credible, verified or verifiable noncombat-related in-service stressor and thus could not establish service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, has been denied as there is no evidence of a diagnosed psychiatric condition that meets the DSM-IV criteria.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and a need for an opinion on aggravation of psychiatric disorders by service-connected disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have PTSD related to his military service and did not establish a current acquired psychiatric disability. The sleep disorder claim was also denied as there is no evidence of its onset in service or within one year after discharge.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and corroborating the claimed in-service stressors.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD. The case is therefore REMANDED for these purposes.

The Veteran's tinnitus and any acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, are found to be related to service. The Board has granted the claims for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and a lung disorder (chronic bronchitis) was denied. The Board found that there is no current diagnosis of PTSD based on military or non-military stressors rendered pursuant to the DSM-IV. There is also insufficient evidence to establish a link between any diagnosed respiratory condition and service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to unverified stressors and need for further medical examination. The claims will be reconsidered based on new evidence.

The Board finds that the Veteran's exposure to combat stressors during his service in Vietnam, combined with credible supporting evidence of such stressors and a link between current symptomatology and these events, establishes service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD).

The Veteran seeks service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically posttraumatic stress disorder. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and readjudicate the claim.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD. The case is therefore REMANDED for these purposes.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting examinations to address the nature and etiology of her claimed conditions.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not meet the service connection criteria for PTSD and therefore his claim is denied.,While the Veteran has been diagnosed with an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD, there is no persuasive and credible evidence to support a finding of in-service stressors or a nexus between current symptoms and such stressors.