Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2014

The Veteran's appeal was granted for various conditions, including right and left shin splints, a low back disorder, a cervical spine disorder, GERD, and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than service-connected PTSD. The appeals were decided on the merits of the evidence presented.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to his active service, but his acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD) is not. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for further development. The issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, other than a psychoneurotic reaction, depressive reaction, to include PTSD, and hypertension are pending.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development, including a VA orthopedic examination and nexus opinion. The claims are inextricably intertwined with the outcome of the chronic back disorder claim.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is not service-connected as there is no evidence of a verified in-service stressor and the condition does not meet presumptive criteria.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for consideration of additional evidence, including a recent medical expert's opinion and the Veteran's response thereto. The Veteran is requested to waive initial RO consideration of this new evidence.

The Veteran does not have a diagnosed PTSD or any other psychiatric disorder that is service-connected. The VA examiner found no evidence to support the diagnosis of PTSD, and the Veteran's schizophrenia was considered the primary condition.

The Veteran's fatigue is attributed to his service-connected headaches.,The Veteran's symptoms of nausea, heartburn and reflux are presumed due to service in Southwest Asia.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development and readjudication, including scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any cardiovascular disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae with scars is currently rated at 50 percent, the maximum schedular rating available. The Board finds that this rating adequately reflects the severity and effects of his disability as contemplated by the applicable rating criteria.

The Board is remanding the claims for service connection due to incomplete evidence and need for further examination.,The Veteran's hearing loss claim will be remanded as there are insufficient medical opinions regarding noise exposure during service.,The Veteran's psychiatric disorder claim will be remanded as his in-service combat experience needs clarification.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as depression, is proximately caused by his service-connected right knee and left ankle disabilities. As such, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's service connection claim for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities has been granted. The issue of entitlement to service connection for a psychiatric disorder is pending, as are issues related to TDIU.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to fully and fairly consider the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder and PTSD. The case will be remanded for further action.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression. The Veteran's in-service stressors have been conceded, and a private physician has provided evidence that supports the Veteran's claim. As such, the Board grants service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's disability rating for service-connected paranoid schizophrenia was reduced from 100% to 30%, effective September 1, 2011. The reduction was based on a VA examination conducted in April 2011.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for schizophrenia and depression is being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records, SSA records, and a psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including schizophrenia, major depressive disorder (MDD), and anxiety disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and SSA records, arranging for examinations to assess the severity of the Veteran's disabilities, and scheduling a social and industrial survey.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the failure to schedule a travel board hearing. The issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and increased rating for type II diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction and amputation are still pending.