Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2017

The Board found that the Veteran's radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities is causally related to his service-connected lumbar spine disability and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to missing VA medical records and a need for a psychiatric opinion regarding the Veteran's service connection claim.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to the need for a more detailed opinion regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including whether it is related to his military service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and anxiety, is proximately due to his service-connected low back disability. The Board finds that the evidence is in relative balance for and against this claim, granting service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, hydrophobia, anxiety, and depression was denied as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis of PTSD. The other conditions are not considered to be related to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, IBS, and a sleep disorder. The evidence did not show a nexus between these conditions and active duty service.

The Board found that the Veteran's psychiatric disorder other than PTSD is not related to service, and his cervical spine and left knee disorders are not related to service.,Service connection was denied for all three issues.

The Board has found new and material evidence sufficient to reopen the claim of service connection for PTSD. The Veteran's statements and medical records showing a current psychiatric diagnosis are considered new and material, raising a reasonable possibility of substantiating his claim.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings, service connection, and TDIU have been denied. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a rating in excess of 30 percent for his service-connected IPH or establishes service connection for any of the other conditions he seeks.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's preexisting acquired psychiatric disorder was aggravated by his active service from January 1991 to March 1991, and thus service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as schizophrenia, disorganized type, is related to his service and has been continuously present since then. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and potential reconsideration of the service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, was aggravated by her second period of active duty service. The cervical spine/neck disorder and headaches were not incurred or aggravated during service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as bipolar and anxiety disorder and claimed as anxiety and PTSD, is related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The Veteran's index finger of left hand, diagnosed as trigger finger, may be secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities has not been found.

The Veteran's son, D.D., is seeking helpleess child benefits on behalf of his son due to permanent incapacity for self-support before he reached the age of 18. The Board has determined that further development is necessary as VA has not attempted to obtain certain medical records and a social and industrial survey must be conducted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is as likely as not attributable to his active military service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD, did not manifest in service or for many years thereafter and currently diagnosed bipolar disorder was not caused by active service.

The Board has determined that additional development is required to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's lower back disability and acquired psychiatric disorder, as well as whether service connection should be granted. The case will be remanded for further examination and consideration.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a currently diagnosed psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and finds no evidence of such disorders during service. The claim for service connection is denied.