Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2017

The Veteran's initial ratings for an acquired psychiatric disorder, headaches, and cervical muscle strain were granted. The remaining claims were denied.

The Board has granted the Veteran's application to reopen his claims for service connection for a back disability and psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. The issues of entitlement to service connection for these conditions are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied as the evidence does not support a higher rating or additional service connection.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at the maximum 50% disability rating. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder, is reopened and new evidence supports a finding that his current psychiatric condition more likely than not began in military service.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development and consideration.

The Board found that the Veteran's PTSD is not related to his military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, has been denied. The Board found that there is no probative evidence of a current diagnosis of PTSD or any other acquired psychiatric disorder during the appeal period.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder and low back disability were not addressed. The Veteran was granted a compensable initial rating (10%) for pilonidal cysts, but denied a compensable initial rating for right fourth metacarpal fracture.

The Veteran's low back disability is currently rated at 20 percent, reflecting the severity of his symptoms and functional impairment. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and therefore, service connection for PTSD is denied. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (other than PTSD) to include depression was found to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this appeal.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection, including opinions on the nature and etiology of his headaches, fatigue, drowsiness, and acquired psychiatric disorder. The TDIU claim will also be remanded as it may be affected by these decisions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD and therefore, his claim for service connection for PTSD is denied.

The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD. Insomnia and headaches were not continuous or recurrent in service or since separation; tinnitus was not diagnosed within one year of separation from service; and there is no medical nexus between the current insomnia, headaches, or tinnitus and either active service or a service-connected disability.,The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss. The preexisting left ear hearing loss at enlistment was not permanently worsened by active service.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and the need for a VA examination.

The Board granted a disability rating of 70 percent for the acquired psychiatric disability, effective from April 24, 2012. The Veteran's spasmodic torticollis was rated as noncompensable. TDIU was also granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus has been granted. The Board found that the Veteran had a confirmed in-service stressor related to his motor vehicle accident and was diagnosed with PTSD. As such, service connection is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new hearing and issuance of an SOC regarding his claims for service connection and reopening of a previously denied claim.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, with the exception of those related to urinary incontinence and residuals of TBI. The remaining conditions are found to be directly related to his military service.

The Board found that there was clear and unmistakable error (CUE) in the November 2008 Pension Management Center decision, which terminated the Veteran's non-service-connected pension benefits. The Veteran's entitlement to pension benefits is restored effective January 1, 2007. Additionally, the criteria for entitlement to non-service-connected burial expenses have been met.