Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2014

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including scheduling a VA examination to determine if the Veteran has PTSD related to service. The AOJ should also consider all evidence associated with the claims file.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The case is remanded for a VA examination to determine if his current psychiatric disorders are related to his active service.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of prostate cancer as a result of exposure to herbicides in service. The Veteran is also found to have urinary leakage and an acquired psychiatric disorder, both related to his prostate cancer.

The Board has granted service connection for a TBI, finding that the Veteran's combat service in Vietnam is at least as likely as not related to his military service. The remaining issues are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as an anxiety disorder and depressive disorder, is found to be related to his active service. However, there is no evidence linking the Veteran's hypertension to herbicide exposure or service.

The Board granted the Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for asthma, right upper extremity periostitis, left upper extremity periostitis, major depression with anxiety (psychiatric disability), and left knee strain with iliotibial band syndrome. The initial ratings were all increased to 30 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for a hearing before the RO and will consider whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for PTSD.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for dysrhythmia, emphysema, foot disability (athlete's foot and fungal infections), left shoulder disability, and psychiatric disability (PTSD).

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

The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and the Board finds that his claimed psychiatric disorder is not related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling examinations and obtaining records from the Social Security Administration.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, that is attributable to service. The in-service stressors reported by the Veteran are not credible and there is no evidence of combat or other verified in-service trauma.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and recognition as a former prisoner of war (POW). The Veteran's assertions regarding his experiences in Cuba were found to be unreliable, misleading, and exaggerated.

For the period prior to October 24, 2012, the Veteran's psychiatric symptoms did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 30 percent.,For the period since October 24, 2012, the Veteran's psychiatric symptoms did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 50 percent.

The Veteran does not have a diagnosed PTSD and his depressive disorder is not service-connected.,Right leg symptoms are not related to active service, as there was no chronic right lower extremity radiculopathy during or after service.

The Board found clear and unmistakable evidence that the Veteran's pre-existing paranoid schizophrenia did not undergo an increase in severity during service, thus denying service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for a depressive disorder with psychosis and schizophrenia, effective October 10, 2006. The claim for right knee disorder remains denied.

The Veteran's right ankle and shoulder disabilities were not caused by participation in VA vocational rehabilitation training, and the Board denied compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for these conditions. The claim for PTSD was also denied as there is insufficient evidence to establish a service-connected stressor.

The Board denied service connection for right knee and ankle disorders, finding no evidence of in-service injury or chronic symptoms. The acquired psychiatric disability claim is addressed separately.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's claimed in-service stressor is consistent with his service and there is equipoise of evidence regarding whether he currently has PTSD. The claim of an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD will be considered as a separate issue.