Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2014

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's tinnitus had onset during service and the Board has determined that it was incurred in service. The hearing loss disability is not currently diagnosed, but may be related to noise exposure during service. The psychiatric disorder (adjustment disorder with anxiety) is found to have been present during service.

The Veteran's schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder are found to have been incurred during active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD related to in-service stressors and his acquired psychiatric disability was not manifested during service or for several years thereafter, nor is it otherwise causally related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disability, headache disorder, and acquired psychiatric disorder are related to his military service. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, residuals of a sexually transmitted disease (STD), and arthritis of the arms, feet, and back were denied. The Veteran's claim for increased rating for low back strain with limitation of motion was not addressed as it is currently rated at 40%. The Veteran's claim for TDIU was also not addressed.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (anxiety disorder) and bilateral knee arthritis, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, but finds that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD or any other acquired psychiatric disorder due to his service. The chronic residual disability of a neck injury is also denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including PTSD, right shoulder disorder, left shoulder disorder, back disorder, and right knee disorder. The claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was also denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD; benign prostatic hypertrophy; and a higher initial rating for diabetes mellitus type II. The evidence did not support a finding of direct service connection for any of these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and consideration of his claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The case will be returned to the Board after any necessary additional evidence has been obtained.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for TBI and PTSD are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board has ordered that the Veteran's complete treatment records from the San Juan VA Medical Center be obtained, and medical records from the Social Security Administration should also be requested. The Veteran is to undergo a VA psychiatric examination to determine the current nature and etiology of any diagnosed psychiatric disorders.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including schizoaffective disorder and depression, is likely related to his service. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals on the issues of exposure to chemicals and respiratory disorder, claimed as asthma, sinus, shortness of breath, cough, including as due to herbicide and asbestos exposure. The remaining claims are pending.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary in order to obtain additional evidence and comply with all due process considerations, including scheduling the Veteran for a VA psychiatric examination under the new regulatory standards.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and arranging a psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, insomnia, and diabetes mellitus are being remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining medical opinions on the nature of her psychiatric disorders and their relationship to service.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a valid diagnosis of PTSD and his acquired psychiatric disability is related to his wife's health problems, with no evidence supporting a long clinical history of depression or PTSD.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis C and an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD. The case is now remanded for additional development including VA examinations.