Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2015

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and depression/anxiety, manifested by cold sweats, had its onset in service. The bilateral foot disability (pes planus and plantar fasciitis) was not incurred or aggravated by active service. The bilateral knee disability was not incurred in service, nor is it due to a service-connected disability. The hearing loss disability of either ear was not incurred in service. Tinnitus is presumed to have been incurred in service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to unverified stressors and requests that the Veteran provide statements from individuals who can corroborate his inservice experiences.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for flat feet and a psychiatric disorder, but denied the remaining issues. The Veteran's claim for hypertension was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence. His bilateral foot disorder is not considered service-connected, his acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD is also not service-connected, and he does not meet criteria for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound.

The Board has determined that the appellant's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, right shoulder disorder, cervical spine (neck) disorder, headaches, and lumbar spine (low back) disorder have been withdrawn. The claim for a low back disorder was denied as there is no evidence of arthritis manifest to 10% within one year of separation from active duty.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to obtain medical opinions and SSA records, as well as to clarify whether service connection is warranted for an acquired psychiatric disorder, low back disability, and left knee disability.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need to obtain a copy of any SSA decision regarding her entitlement to disability benefits.

The Veteran was granted a 50% rating for schizophrenia undifferentiated type effective from July 25, 2012. The earliest date of entitlement is also July 25, 2012.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including an examination to determine if any current psychiatric diagnoses are related to service. The appeal is now in remand status.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, an acquired psychiatric disorder, upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and erectile dysfunction. The evidence did not show a causal relationship between these conditions and service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, a right shoulder disorder, diabetes mellitus secondary to Agent Orange exposure, and hypertension secondary to diabetes mellitus. The appeal was also dismissed due to the appellant withdrawing his application to reopen the claim of service connection for a rib disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current psychiatric disability, to include PTSD and depression, or a skin disorder related to his military service. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has reopened the claims of service connection for a low back disorder and an acquired psychiatric disability, finding new and material evidence. Service connection is granted for these conditions as they are found to be aggravated by pre-existing conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's unspecified depressive disorder had its onset in service and is therefore granted service connection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, due to inadequate medical opinions and missing treatment records.

The Board has determined that further examination and medical opinions are needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's low back disability, right foot disability, left foot disability, and psychiatric disorder (PTSD).

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be incurred in service, and the issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and an acquired psychiatric disorder are remanded. The issue of service connection for loss of auricle has been withdrawn by the appellant.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disability, including a right knee strain, meniscal tear, and bone contusion with cyst, is related to her INACDUTRA period of service. The acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, is found to be related to her military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tension headaches are related to her military service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as the evidence did not support a finding of service connection for any claimed conditions. The Veteran was granted a non-compensable rating for his degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine.

The Board has reopened the issue of whether the Veteran's character of discharge from his period of service is a bar to VA benefits, but the issues of service connection for various conditions remain pending.