Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2017

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is not service-connected, and the Board finds that his TBI residuals do not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder other than anxiety and mood disorders, to include PTSD, polysubstance abuse, and/or bipolar disorders, to also include as secondary to service-connected lumbar spine disability, and an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for a lumbar spine disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, are related to his military service. The claim is granted.

The Board has determined that the RO did not substantially comply with its July 2015 remand instructions and thus, this matter must be remanded for full compliance.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder as secondary to a service-connected disability.

The Board has granted service connection for a laceration of the left third finger over the distal aspect of the proximal phalanx on the radial side, finding that it is related to the Veteran's military service. The remaining issues of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD) and left ear hearing loss are addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, visual impairment (blindness), and sleep apnea have been denied. The fungal infection of skin and bilateral flatfeet with arthritis are established but not related to service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability is at least as likely as not related to his active service, and therefore service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability is granted.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to fully and fairly consider the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. This includes obtaining relevant medical records, verifying stressors, and providing a VA examination.

The Veteran's gynecological disorder, including uterine fibroids and dysfunctional uterine bleeding, is found to have been incurred during active service.,New evidence has been submitted that supports reopening the claims for right and left knee disabilities. The Board will now consider these claims.

The Board has granted service connection for hepatitis C, hypertension, and a low back disorder. Service connection was denied for an acquired psychiatric disorder, left upper arm/shoulder disorder, and dental disorder (for VA outpatient treatment purposes). The appeal is pending on the issue of service connection for TBI.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for blepharitis, an acquired psychiatric condition other than PTSD, and chronic respiratory disorder (claimed as fibrosis of the lungs). The claim for service connection for PTSD was remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis is related to his military service. The remaining claims of service connection for other conditions are remanded for additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disorder, right ankle disability, right foot disability, and left foot disability are not related to service or service-connected conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's erectile dysfunction and left knee disability are not service-connected, as they did not result from carelessness, negligence, lack of proper skill, error in judgment, or similar instance of fault on VA's part. The Veteran's claims for these conditions have been denied.

The Veteran's claims for low back injury, acquired psychiatric disorder, hypertension, cardiovascular disorder (other than hypertension), and erectile dysfunction were denied as the evidence did not establish a service connection.

The Board finds that the Veteran's death was due to a psychiatric disorder that began during service and continued after separation, leading to his untimely death. Service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical nexus opinions regarding the Veteran's hepatic disorder and acquired psychiatric disorder. The issues of service connection for these conditions are inextricably intertwined.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and development of evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and opinion regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically whether it is related to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.