Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2017

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability for which service connection can be granted, specifically for a chest condition, headache disorder, or an acquired psychiatric disorder. The claims are therefore denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the claims can be adjudicated. This includes obtaining VA treatment records, requesting a medical opinion regarding Huntington disease and psychiatric disorders, and determining whether R.A.P. was permanently incapable of self-support by reason of mental or physical defect at age eighteen.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is not related to military service, but rather stems from pre-service sexual abuse.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's TBI is related to his active service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD and has determined that a new diagnosis of PTSD is supported by evidence. The Veteran was granted a 100% rating for her asthma.

The Veteran's low back disability is found to be related to service, and his acquired psychiatric disorder (specifically unspecified anxiety disorder) is also found to be related to service. The Board grants the Veteran's claims for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a fracture of the left mandible and right maxilla, as well as his claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD, were denied. His TDIU claim was also denied.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection of a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder. The Veteran's anxiety disorder NOS is found to be related to in-service events.

The Board has determined that the Veteran incurred a TBI during service and his current cognitive dysfunction and psychiatric impairment are residuals of that injury. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is found to be related to service and granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD; a back disability; and bilateral hearing loss have been denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities or a link between the claimed conditions and service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his failure to keep the scheduled personal hearing. The case will be rescheduled for a video hearing at the RO.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and granted it, finding that new evidence supports a diagnosis of schizophrenia which was already present prior to service but aggravated during active duty.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric condition, back condition and migraine headaches was denied as the evidence did not establish that these conditions were caused or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities.

The Board found that the preponderance of evidence is against a finding that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as schizophrenia, initially manifested in service or is otherwise etiologically related to active military service.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for the issues of entitlement to service connection for a right toe disorder, a back disorder, a sleep disorder, and an acquired psychiatric disorder to include major depression due to withdrawal by the Veteran. The claim of entitlement to a compensable rating for residuals of left fourth finger fracture is pending.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for a personality disorder. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, schizophrenia, depressive disorder, cannabis abuse, and cocaine abuse, other than personality disorder, is being considered on its merits.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed in order to make a decision on the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings. Specifically, VA medical examinations are required to address the current severity of the Veteran's psychiatric condition and low back disorder.

The Board has found that the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorder is related to his military service, and thus granted service connection for this condition. The remaining issues of service connection for various foot disabilities, back disability, and knee disabilities are addressed in detail below.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for schizophrenic reaction and granted service connection for depression. The Veteran's current psychiatric disability is related to his active military service.