Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2014

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for diabetes mellitus, right calf claudication, and psychiatric disabilities other than PTSD have been withdrawn. The Board has also dismissed the claims as there is no evidence of a valid diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder based on verified in-service stressors.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a back disability, cardiovascular disorder, rectal bleeding, erectile dysfunction, psychiatric disorder, acid reflux, and hypercholesterolemia. The decision found that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen the claim of service connection for a back disability.

The Board found that the appellant is not a 'helpless child' of the Veteran for benefits purposes due to insufficient medical evidence of a psychiatric disorder before he attained the age of 18. The appellant's assertions were deemed unreliable as a layperson is not competent to provide evidence regarding the diagnosis of a psychiatric disorder.

The Board has withdrawn the claims of hypertension, bowel disability, and ear disability. The claim for PTSD is reopened due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including verification of USAFR service and confirmation of any reserve service with the USAFR unit in Rome, New York. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered based on this new information.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the claims can be fully adjudicated.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records from his private psychiatrist.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder warrants a disability rating of 50 percent, effective from August 9, 2007. The appeal for an increased rating is granted.

The Board denied service connection for type II diabetes mellitus and an acquired psychiatric disability, finding that the evidence did not support a link to service or exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, entitlement to special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound, entitlement to special monthly compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(k) for loss of use of his right foot/leg, and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, sleep apnea, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, sinus disability, abdominal scar (hernia), and skin disability (tinea cruris). The decision is based on the lack of evidence showing a nexus between these conditions and military service.

The Board has dismissed the motion due to the death of the moving party, and thus lost jurisdiction over the matter.

The Board has reopened the appellant's claim of entitlement to service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death due to new and material evidence. The Board finds that the Veteran's psychiatric disability, related to his combat experiences in Vietnam, was a contributory cause of his death by police shooting.

The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's assertion that his preexisting left knee disability increased in severity during service, and denied both claims for service connection.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to substantiate the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, a low back disability, bilateral knee disabilities, and right shoulder disabilities. This includes verifying duty status during ACDUTRA or INACDUTRA periods, obtaining VA examinations, and updating treatment records.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and attempting to obtain 1984 hospitalization records. The Veteran's claims will be readjudicated based on the new evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and an examination to determine if the Veteran's psychiatric conditions are related to his military service, including a possible event on September 11, 2001.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is found to be related to his active duty service and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board found no evidence of a skin disability related to service, including Gulf War exposure. The Veteran's statements about chemical exposure in the Persian Gulf were not supported by medical records or corroborated.