Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the Board is dismissing the appeal due to the withdrawal.

The Veteran's request for a personal hearing before a Decision Review Officer (DRO) has been made, and the RO is required to schedule this hearing as requested.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD is proximately due to or the result of his service-connected right leg, back, right ankle, and right hip disabilities. The claims for erectile dysfunction and a right shoulder disability are also granted as they are related to these service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development and examination, including obtaining records related to the Veteran's 1979 divorce proceedings and scheduling a mental disorders examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to consider his claimed stressor and any other acquired psychiatric disorders. All pertinent records must be obtained.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (recurring major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder NOS, adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depression) as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected bilateral knee disabilities.,The evidence shows that the Veteran's obesity, which is linked to his sedentary lifestyle due to his knee disabilities, contributed to his diabetes and hypertension. His psychiatric condition is also likely related to his overall health issues.

The Board found that there is no evidence of an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, at any time during the pendency of the claim. Therefore, service connection for this condition was denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining VA examination reports and social security administration records. The claims will be readjudicated after the additional development.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the claim for service connection for PTSD. The Veteran's 10 percent rating for a left thumb scar from a tendon repair was not properly reduced.

The claims of service connection for a low back disability, cervical spine disability, left hip bursitis, right hip bursitis, right hand carpal tunnel syndrome, and an acquired psychiatric disorder have all been denied. The Veteran's statements regarding the onset of his hip disabilities are inconsistent with his in-service medical history.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, was denied. The Board found that there was no evidence of a personal assault during service and the Veteran did not provide credible supporting evidence of any in-service stressor. As such, service connection could not be granted. For the left foot callus issues, the claim was remanded as it pertained to an initial grant of service connection.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for multiple myeloma, acquired psychiatric condition (including PTSD), residuals of cyst removal, degenerative joint disease (DJD) in both knees, and hearing loss is pending. Service connection has been granted for tinnitus.

The Veteran's TBI residuals claim is denied as there is no evidence of current or past TBI.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including anger, drug abuse, and crowd avoidance, is also denied due to lack of a nexus between the claimed conditions and service.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran has any diagnosed mental disorder related to service, and to decide on his claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to a lack of VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinion regarding direct and secondary service connection for schizophrenia. Additional development is needed, including obtaining SSA records and ensuring VA treatment records are associated with the claims file.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, was denied. His claim for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome was also denied.

The Board has granted service connection for eczema of both legs. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability and headaches are also found to be related to his active duty.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression. The appeal is now pending again with the VA.