Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2016

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed PTSD and other acquired psychiatric disabilities were not incurred in or aggravated by service, as there was no credible evidence supporting his stressor statements. The VA psychologist's opinions based on review of the deck logs from USS Forrestal contradicted the Veteran's assertions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current respiratory disorder (COPD) did not have its onset during service or is otherwise related to his period of active service. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder remains pending as it relates to a preexisting condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, and a depressive disorder was denied as there is no evidence of such conditions during or within one year after active service. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for PTSD under DSM-IV/DSM-5 and his current symptoms do not meet full criteria for PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD or any other acquired psychiatric disorder, and therefore cannot establish service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of an acquired psychiatric disorder other than polysubstance abuse in sustained remission. The Board also finds no evidence to support service connection for a back disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected abdominal scar and acquired psychiatric disorder were not granted. The abdominal scar was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability, and the psychiatric disorder claim was denied due to lack of credible supporting evidence for the claimed in-service stressor.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a clarification of the Veteran's psychiatric claims and consideration of alternative sources of evidence.

The Board has ordered the case to be remanded due to non-compliance with prior remand instructions, specifically regarding a VA psychiatric examination and review of relevant records.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development to obtain medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's back disability and/or psychiatric disability are related to his service-connected right ankle disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, low back disability, and left knee disability are not service-connected as they did not manifest within one year of separation from service or are not otherwise related to military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of an acquired psychiatric disability and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied. The claim for bilateral knee disabilities remains pending as there are no in-service records documenting knee complaints.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current urinary disorder is not service-connected, but his acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD is found to be related to service. His arthritis claim remains unresolved.

The Board found no diagnosis of PTSD and concluded that the Veteran is not entitled to service connection for this condition. The claim for a left shoulder disorder remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to determine the circumstances of the Veteran's incarceration in San Diego County Jail and his exposure to hostile enemy activity while serving on the Vietnam mainland. The appeal will be adjudicated after this development is completed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and finds his depression related to service. The Board also found no evidence linking sleep apnea to service.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as schizophrenia. The Veteran's right shoulder disorder claim is remanded due to outstanding VA treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, and a sleep disorder were denied. The claim for service connection for ischemic heart disease was granted with an effective date of August 31, 2010.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disorder, finding no evidence of an in-service injury or event and no credible statements regarding continuity of symptoms since service.,The Board also denied service connection for depression, finding no evidence of an in-service injury or event and no credible statements regarding continuity of symptoms since service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to a scheduling conflict with his employment, and he has requested rescheduling of the video-conference hearing.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to inadequate examination findings and new evidence.