Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2014

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, diagnosed as schizophrenia, was incurred during active duty service and is granted. The initial rating for PTSD remains at 50 percent, effective September 12, 2011. TDIU claim is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing a new examination to evaluate the nature and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder. The issue is now on hold while further proceedings are conducted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss was granted, and he is currently receiving a 10% evaluation for left ear hearing loss. The heart disability to include coronary artery disease, seizure disorder, and acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as posttraumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder and anxiety disorder) are not service connected.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and consideration of evidence.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, back condition, right knee condition, and sinus problems were denied as there is no credible evidence of in-service stressors or current disabilities related to service.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various disabilities, including PTSD and injuries sustained in Iraq, are denied as there is no current evidence of a psychiatric disability or any other claimed conditions.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to fully and fairly consider the Veteran's claims for service connection of various disabilities. This includes obtaining Social Security Administration records, VA treatment records, and any relevant service personnel records.

The Veteran's claims for COPD, PTSD, short-term memory loss, chronic fatigue, tumors, and sleep disorder were denied as the evidence does not support a current disability or link to service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder, anxiety, and severe depression, are not service connected due to the lack of evidence linking these conditions to his active duty. The in-service drug use is considered willful misconduct.,Left hip osteoarthritis was not present during service or within one year post-service and is unrelated to service-connected disability. Atherosclerotic vascular calcification was also not present during service.

The Veteran's low back condition is not service-connected as it pre-existed service and was not aggravated by service. The Veteran's right shoulder disability, which he incurred in service, has been granted service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a VA examination to determine if hearing loss and tinnitus are related to service. A psychiatric examination is also needed due to changes in regulations regarding PTSD.

The Board has granted service connection for Meniere's syndrome and an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service. The decision also grants secondary service connection for the acquired psychiatric disorder as it is caused by or a result of the service-connected Meniere's syndrome.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and consideration of his claims, including the submission of additional evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to incomplete service personnel records and a request for additional information regarding participation in an alcohol and drug treatment program. The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD remains pending, as does his claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, specifically a psychiatric disorder manifested by adjustment disorder, anxiety, and depression. The Veteran's current functioning is similar to that noted in service, with symptoms of depression, anxiety, and mistrust related to his military service.

The Board has ordered further development due to the possibility of outstanding SSA disability records and a need for additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disorders.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a heart disorder, an acquired psychiatric disorder, and residuals of a stroke. The appeals were not about service connection at all.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD. The claim for hepatitis C remains pending and will be remanded for further development.

The Veteran's left calf muscle atrophy and weakness were incurred in service, but there is no evidence of a current hearing loss disability for VA purposes. The Board finds that the Veteran has an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, related to his service.

The Veteran's claims for cervical spine and right knee disabilities were denied as there was no evidence of a service-connected disability. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disability was also denied due to lack of credible supporting evidence that the claimed in-service stressor actually occurred.