Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was granted, with a 50% rating effective March 6, 2015. The issue of erectile dysfunction secondary to service-connected disabilities and/or medications is still pending.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, was reopened and granted. The Board found that the preponderance of evidence shows that the Veteran has a current diagnosis of PTSD for VA purposes. Service connection is also granted for sleep apnea, right foot hammertoes, left foot hammertoes, skin disorder (including elbows, knees, and hands), IBS, and GERD.

The Board finds that the Veteran's currently diagnosed urethral stricture and acquired psychiatric disorder (depressive disorder, NOS) are related to his military service. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board denied all service connection claims, including those for schizophrenia, anxiety and depression, hearing loss, tinnitus, residuals of a fractured left tibia, back condition, and sciatica of the left lower extremity. The decision also addressed whether new and material evidence had been submitted to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for schizophrenia.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining National Guard service records and a VA examination to determine if any current psychiatric disability is related to active duty or qualifying periods of ADT. The Veteran's claims for service connection are pending.

The Veteran's PTSD is found to be service-connected, and it is determined that his hypertension and GERD are secondary to this condition.,Service connection for hypertension as secondary to PTSD has been established. The Veteran's current hypertension is attributed to his service-connected PTSD.,Service connection for GERD as secondary to PTSD has also been established. The Veteran's current GERD is attributed to his service-connected PTSD.,The Veteran's stage III kidney disease, which he claims are bowel and bladder problems, is found to be secondary to his hypertension. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is found to be related to his active military service and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome is at least as likely as not caused by his service-connected cervical spine disability. The remaining issues of entitlement to service connection for allergies, psychiatric disorder (now characterized as psychiatric disorder, to include as secondary to service-connected disabilities), fibromyalgia, and sleep apnea are addressed.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disorders (schizophrenia, PTSD, and depression) were not incurred or aggravated during service. The evidence did not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a digestive disorder, an acquired psychiatric disorder, and headaches.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss and acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, were not incurred or aggravated as a result of active service.

The Board has granted service connection for paranoid schizophrenia, finding that the Veteran's condition existed during his military service and continues after service. The claim was reopened due to new evidence received since the previous denial.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records and confirming service dates. The Veteran's left knee disorder and acquired psychiatric disorders are also to be evaluated.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including an examination and review of additional evidence.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for schizophrenia and PTSD, effective from April 13, 2000.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Board hearing at the RO in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The Board has granted an increased rating of 70 percent for schizophrenia, effective from the date of the decision. The Veteran's service-connected schizophrenia is characterized by occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas such as work, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including paranoid schizophrenia and dysthymic disorder. The issue now goes back to the merits.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have an acquired psychiatric disorder related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran lacks mental capacity to handle his VA benefits due to schizophrenia, and thus restoration of competency is not warranted.