Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2016

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA medical examination, and a new examination is needed to assess the nature, extent, and etiology of any psychiatric disorders from which the Veteran suffers. The examiner must also discuss whether it is at least as likely as not that any identified psychiatric disorders are related to the Veteran's service or his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to inadequate VA medical opinions and incomplete records. The claims for service connection will be held in abeyance pending the adjudication of the inextricably intertwined claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD. The decision is based on the evidence not showing direct service connection.

The Veteran has been granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder. The Board found that the preexisting left knee disability was not aggravated by service. Service connection is also granted for a right knee disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's schizophrenia arose prior to his December 30, 1988 claim for service connection and granted an effective date of December 30, 2003. The case is now remanded for a VA examination to determine whether the Veteran is competent to handle disbursement of VA funds.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for PTSD. The evidence does not support a diagnosis of PTSD, and there is no indication that his current psychiatric symptoms are related to military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current psychiatric condition, diagnosed as an adjustment disorder and major depressive disorder, was incurred during his active service. The decision is based on evidence showing a clear connection between the Veteran's in-service symptoms and his current diagnosis.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted service connection, and the Board finds that he is entitled to this benefit based on his combat experience in Korea. The low back disability and TDIU issues are remanded for further development.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding no evidence of a nexus between his symptoms and service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of his lay statements regarding the onset and progression of his psychiatric problems.

The Veteran's Bell's palsy, bilateral pes planus, hemorrhoids, tinnitus, and acquired psychiatric disorder were not found to be related to service. The Board determined that the Veteran's bilateral knee disorder did not manifest during active service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a psychiatric disorder and kidney stones has been remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of his conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a VA examination and updating medical records. The Veteran is seeking an increased level of SMC based on his need for aid and attendance due to service-connected conditions.

The Veteran meets the schedular requirement for TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities, which render him unemployable.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have PTSD or a psychosis, and any current acquired psychiatric disorder is not related to service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, as well as the Veteran's military personnel file.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records from various VA facilities and a Texas state prison. The case will be readjudicated after these records are obtained.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including PTSD and acquired psychiatric disorders. The right knee disability claim was also denied. Service connection is not granted for any of the claimed conditions.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder and granted a rating of 30 percent for right total knee replacement, effective from April 2003 to June 1, 2004. The Veteran's left knee disability is secondary to his service-connected right knee disability.

The Veteran's nerve damage to the left leg has been rated as 10 percent disabling, which is appropriate given the symptoms described. The acquired psychiatric disorder (MDD, panic disorder with agoraphobia, PTSD) has been granted service connection and is considered a new issue due to reopened claims. Hypertension and sleep apnea have not been found to be related to service. Left shoulder and back disabilities are also not supported by the evidence.