Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2015

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding medical records and an addendum opinion from the VA examiner.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development due to the need for an addendum VA opinion regarding his acquired psychiatric disorder, including a mood disorder and previous diagnoses of chronic adjustment reaction and depression. The examiner should also provide an opinion on whether these conditions are related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are at least as likely related to his in-service noise exposure. The claim of reopening a gastrointestinal disability is also granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic left ankle sprain was reopened based on the submission of new and material evidence. The claims for service connection for a left knee condition and an acquired psychiatric disorder were granted.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a psychiatric disorder, which has been diagnosed as PTSD. The Board finds that there is evidence of a current mental health condition and an in-service incident to which it may relate, but no competent evidence of a nexus between the two. Therefore, the case is being remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's service-connected paranoid schizophrenia does not meet the criteria for eligibility for Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance (RH) under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1922 because he did not file a timely application within the one-year period following his July 1984 grant of service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and concluded that his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD. The VA examiners' opinions were deemed more credible than Dr. W.A.'s opinion, which was based on an incomplete review of medical records.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection, including examinations and notice regarding certain aspects of her claims.

The Veteran's death was caused by an accidental overdose, but the exact medication that led to his death is unclear. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) has been granted as a result of in-service stressors.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for his acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) has been granted, and he is now rated at 50%. The issue of service connection for a respiratory disorder remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant, through his authorized representative.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various acquired psychiatric disorders, back disorder, Dupuytren's contractures of both hands, breathing disorder, dysphagia, headaches, leg and foot disorders, as well as liver disorder. The highest rating assigned was 30 percent for irritable bowel syndrome.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, other than depression and PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development including a VA examination.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to fully and fairly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical opinions regarding his hypertension and psychiatric disorders.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service treatment records and the need for a VA examination. The Veteran's psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD, depression, and schizophrenia, are being evaluated in relation to his active service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical opinions regarding his claimed PTSD and acquired psychiatric conditions. The case will be returned to the AOJ for further action.

The Veteran's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 and service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD based on his claimed in-service stressor and therefore service connection for PTSD is denied.

The Board found no credible evidence linking the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorder to his military service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression) are all service-connected. The decision is based on credible evidence of current disabilities and a link to service.