Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2017

The Board has granted service connection for schizophrenia with an effective date of April 1, 2011. The Veteran's claim to reopen his previously denied claim was received on that date.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain medical records and provide the necessary examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to unsuccessful attempts to verify the Veteran's in-service stressors and additional development is needed.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is due to an in-service military sexual trauma (MST). The Board has found that the criteria for service connection have been met and granted her claim.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for her separated left shoulder was denied as the evidence did not show that her disability more nearly approximated a higher rating.,Service connection for a cervical spine disorder and psychiatric disorders (depression) were both denied as there is no evidence of record showing these conditions are related to service or a service-connected condition.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA and SSA records, as well as a new VA opinion on the etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's psychiatric symptoms prior to January 29, 2015, more nearly approximate a rating based on occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of residuals of a neck injury, claimed as 'military neck', also claimed as lymphoma. Therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, visual disorder, and bilateral hearing loss are not related to service. The claims for these conditions have been denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pulmonary disorder is not related to his military service, and there is no evidence of a current psychiatric disorder including PTSD.,VA examinations have found no relationship between the Veteran's current conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and as such the Board does not have jurisdiction to review this case.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including major depressive disorder and schizophrenia, is related to his time in service.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric condition other than PTSD, as the Veteran does not meet criteria for these conditions due to a diagnosed personality disorder. Service connection was also denied for left knee disability and left Achilles tendonitis.

The Veteran's appeal is currently pending due to the need for additional development and review of evidence. The issues include seeking service connection for TBI secondary to schizophrenia, as well as entitlement to SMC based on aid and attendance needs.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diagnosed schizophrenia did not manifest during service and was not caused by any in-service disease, injury, or event. The Board also found no diagnosis of PTSD in accordance with DSM-IV criteria related to a verified stressor event.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current low back disorder or acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) that is related to service. Therefore, the claims for service connection are denied.

The Board found no evidence linking the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder to his military service and denied both claims for service connection. The cause of death was attributed to multiple conditions unrelated to service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD with major depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder, as well as his renal disorder. The Board found no evidence of such conditions in service or due to service.,Service connection was also denied for tinea pedis and cruris, as there is no medical evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran is seeking a Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) for the period prior to October 17, 2016. The Board has determined that this issue must be referred to the VA Under Secretary for Benefits or the VA Director of Compensation and Pension Service for adjudication under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(b).,The Veteran is also seeking a TDIU for the period from October 17, 2016. The combined schedular disability rating for all service-connected disabilities during this period does not meet the minimum combined rating criteria under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(a) for eligibility for TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling a VA psychiatric examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current psychiatric disabilities found. The Veteran is also requested to provide information regarding his in-service stressors related to PTSD.