Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2014

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee disorder, low back disorder, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The claim for right pointer and right middle finger disorders with scars is addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for schizophrenia. The Veteran meets the criteria for service connection as his current diagnosis of schizophrenia is linked to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding medical evidence from SSA and further examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded due to the need for a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge (VLJ) of the Board. The RO must ask the Veteran to clarify his preferred type of hearing and notify him of the date, time, and location if he chooses one.

The Board found no new and material evidence to reopen the claim of service connection for a psychiatric disorder, but new evidence was submitted. The decision is mixed as some issues may be granted.

The Board has remanded the case for a psychiatric examination to determine if any diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder is related to service. The issues on appeal are whether PTSD and other acquired psychiatric disorders are service connected.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a skin disorder. The decision on the psychiatric disorder is pending, while the skin disorder claim was previously denied in May 2007 and remains closed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's schizophrenia is related to his military service and grants entitlement to service connection.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for hepatitis C. Service connection is granted for coronary artery disease (CAD). The issues of service connection for neurological, psychiatric, and endocrine conditions are withdrawn from appeal.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of February 11, 2009 for the grant of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability. The effective date was determined to be correct as it was more than one year after separation from service and aligned with VA regulations.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is not etiologically related to her service and denied her claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current respiratory and psychiatric conditions are not service-connected, as there is no evidence of a nexus between his active service and these conditions.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and a psychosis, finding that new and material evidence has been received. The claims are now considered on their merits.

The Veteran's appeals for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a psychiatric disability have been dismissed as there are no remaining allegations of error in the determination.

The Board has directed that the Veteran undergo additional VA examinations and review of his claims file to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions, including hearing loss, tinnitus, burn scars, psychiatric disorders, and lung disorder. The case is REMANDED for these actions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) were denied as there is no credible evidence of Vietnam service, and the conditions are not shown to be related to military service.

The Board has dismissed all appeals due to the absence of an appeal being pending before it.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for a spine disability, right foot hallux valgus, bilateral breast reduction, or chronic headaches. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disability is denied as there is no current diagnosis and it is less likely than not caused by service. Service connection for sleep apnea, left knee, and right knee disabilities cannot be established due to lack of evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and providing an addendum opinion from a VA examiner regarding service connection.