Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance is being remanded due to a lack of recent medical examination. The case will be readjudicated after any additional development.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, major depressive disorder, and intermittent explosive disorder, related to his active military service. The claim for TDIU was also denied as there is no service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder and residuals of head trauma are being remanded due to inadequate VA examination opinions. Additional evidence is needed, including updated VA treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his request for a videoconference hearing before a Veterans Law Judge. The issues of service connection for a psychiatric disorder and a penile scar, as well as the increased rating claim for right inguinal hernia, are pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD or any other acquired psychiatric disorder, and there is no evidence linking these conditions to service. The claim for muscle stiffness was also denied as there is insufficient evidence to establish its etiology.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for vertigo/inner ear disorder, acquired psychiatric disorder, GERD, hypertension, restless leg syndrome, and sleep apnea is denied as there is no post-service diagnosis of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and chronic depressive disorder, was denied as there is no confirmed diagnosis of PTSD. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the initial element required for service connection due to lack of a confirmed diagnosis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's schizophrenia, paranoid type, existed prior to service and was aggravated by service. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability and a back disability, finding no new and material evidence to reopen the claims and concluding that there is insufficient evidence to establish a link between his current disabilities and military service.

The Board found no evidence of an in-service event that could have caused or aggravated the appellant's claimed back disability, hypertension, stomach disability, acquired psychiatric disability (mental stress), or hemorrhoids. Therefore, service connection for these conditions was denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder, as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II. The evidence did not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD in accordance with DSM-IV, and the examiner found no relationship between the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder and service.

The Veteran's protein deficiency syndrome has been denied. The effective dates for service connection of left knee meniscus tear and lumbar spine degenerative disc disease have also been denied as they are not earlier than the date claims were filed.

The Veteran's appeal was granted, with a 100% rating for neuropsychiatric impairment due to PTSD from May 24, 2013. The effective date of September 9, 2002 for service connection for PTSD remains unchanged.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for further development due to insufficient opinions regarding whether his acquired psychiatric disorder and erectile dysfunction are caused or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and awarded a 10 percent disability rating for emphysema and stable pulmonary nodules, effective September 9, 2011.

The Veteran's claim for nonservice-connected pension benefits was denied because he had been incarcerated since July 1981, which is more than sixty-one days after his conviction and incarceration. The claims of service connection for a low back disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and dysthymic disorder, were not incurred in service due to lack of chronicity during service and no evidence linking current conditions to service. The examiner opined that the Veteran's mental health conditions started in childhood and were less likely caused by or aggravated by military service.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD and left shoulder disability were denied due to lack of new and material evidence. The remaining issues, including service connection for various conditions, are currently in a pending status.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records, conduct examinations and opinions regarding his psychiatric disorders, joint and tendon disorders, headaches, and hypertension, and provide appropriate notice for a personal assault claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a video-conference hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.