Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2014

The Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as posttraumatic stress disorder) is being reopened, and the issue of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been dismissed. The case is REMANDED due to the need for additional development regarding the Veteran's claimed stressors and his current psychiatric diagnoses.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder was granted service connection, but the headache condition was denied.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder claim is reopened due to new evidence received since the April 1995 rating decision.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining an opinion from a psychiatrist regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disorders and their relationship to his military service and death. The claims of entitlement to service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death and burial allowance are inextricably intertwined and must be addressed together.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and anxiety disorder, did not meet the criteria for service connection due to lack of evidence linking it to active duty or in-service personal assaults. The VA examiner concluded there was no diagnosis of PTSD based on a verified in-service stressor.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service personnel records and scheduling VA examinations to determine the etiology of any psychiatric disorders, asthma, and COPD.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims for service connection for headaches and psychiatric disability. The Veteran's claims are now pending before the Board.

The Veteran's tinnitus is service-connected based on in-service noise exposure and current bilateral tinnitus. The Board finds the evidence to be in equipoise regarding whether his acquired psychiatric disability, lumbar spine disability, right lower extremity neuropathy, left lower extremity neuropathy, and right foot disability are related to service.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for residuals of a back injury due to new and material evidence. The psychiatric disability claim remains pending as it was not addressed in the January 2006 rating decision.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, scheduling a VA psychiatric examination, and readjudicating the claims under appeal.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for fibromyalgia, bilateral posterior tibial tendonitis, and residuals of frostbite of the second toe of the left foot as secondary to his service-connected bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis. The Veteran was also denied an increased rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral pes planus and schizophrenia. The Veteran's pre-existing bilateral pes planus was not found to be aggravated by service, while his schizophrenia claim is pending as the evidence did not establish a link between service and his current condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination regarding her service connection claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder, low back disorder, and increased rating claims for cervical spine disorder, residuals of fractures to the right tibia, right talus, left pubic ramus, and tension headaches.

The Veteran's respiratory disability was not found to be service-connected, but his PTSD was granted. The decision is mixed as some issues were granted and others denied.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety or depression, and thus service connection for this condition is denied.

The Board has determined that the November 1, 1950 rating decision denying service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was clearly and unmistakably erroneous. Service connection is granted effective May 15, 1950.

The Veteran seeks service connection for depression, claimed as secondary to his service-connected diabetes. The Board has ordered additional development including VA outpatient records and SSA records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing the Veteran with a VA examination to determine if his current lung disorder and psychiatric conditions are related to service. The issue of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder will also be addressed.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, was related to service. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's psychiatric disability, diagnosed as persistent depressive disorder, was aggravated by active service and is therefore entitled to service connection.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disorder. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder remains pending as new evidence suggests it may be related to service, but further examination is needed.