Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2017

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for clarification of his psychiatric diagnosis and a new VA examination regarding erectile dysfunction. The issues on appeal include service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, service connection for erectile dysfunction as secondary to diabetes mellitus, initial disability ratings for type II diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, which is service-connected and not due to exposure to any specific agent or basis, has been rated at 70 percent since March 23, 2010. The Board has determined that the evidence supports a grant of a 100 percent rating for this condition prior to September 8, 2014.

The Board found no evidence of chronic symptoms of an acquired psychiatric disorder or low back disability during service, and the Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining outpatient psychiatric treatment records and a supplemental medical opinion regarding the Veteran's PTSD diagnosis.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is related to his service, specifically whether it began during or was caused by events in service such as a court martial and incarceration.

The Veteran's service connection claims for a psychiatric disorder, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, skin disorder, and left shoulder disorder are granted as they are presumed to be related to his exposure to herbicides during service.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric condition, bilateral knee disability, low sex drive, and left eye disorder were not incurred in service. The claims for these conditions are therefore denied.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as the RO found that his acquired psychiatric disorders including PTSD did not warrant a higher than 30 percent rating for the period from June 29, 1981, to November 2, 2003. Service connection for basal cell carcinoma and malignant neoplasm of the anal canal was also denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, was denied. The Board found that there is not clear and unmistakable evidence of a pre-existing condition, and the Veteran did not provide credible supporting evidence of his claimed in-service stressors.

The Board found clear and unmistakable evidence that the Veteran's schizophrenia preexisted service and was not aggravated by service. The preponderance of the evidence is against finding any other psychiatric disorder was incurred in service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's respiratory disease is not related to his active duty service and denied his claim for service connection. His psychiatric disorder claim remains pending.

The Veteran's sinusitis was granted service connection, but his acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) was denied as not incurred in or aggravated by active military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of broken ribs and back injury have been denied as there is no credible evidence linking these conditions to his military service. The claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disorders and their relationship to service, particularly his in-service TBI. The case is now being returned for further examination and opinion.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that his left hip disability was rated appropriately at 30 percent (20 percent for compensation purposes) and his chondromalacia patella of the left knee warranted a 10 percent rating. The claim for service connection for PTSD and a TDIU rating is denied.

The Board has determined that the effective date for the grant of service connection for paranoid schizophrenia cannot be earlier than November 26, 2003 due to the lack of a prior claim. The decision is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, were not incurred or aggravated during service. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to service.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to verify the Veteran's service dates and determine the significance of his dual status in the USAFR. The claims for sinusitis, ear disorder (Meniere's syndrome), and acquired psychiatric disorder will be remanded for additional examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and an acquired psychiatric disability, to include major depressive disorder with psychotic symptoms are being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and other specified depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran's current diagnoses are related to his in-service stressor event of exposure to weapons fire. Service connection was denied for tinnitus and a cervical spine disability.