Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, but the underlying claims are still not substantiated.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for Hepatitis C, an acquired psychiatric disorder including PTSD, and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to insufficient evidence. The claims will be further developed as outlined in the decision.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been reopened, but the claim remains denied.,The Veteran's right wrist condition is rated at 10 percent and no higher.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension is denied. The Board finds that the evidence does not indicate a compensable degree of disability within one year of separation from active duty.,Service connection for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is granted based on herbicide agent exposure during service. Service connection for upper extremity peripheral neuropathy is denied as there is no current diagnosis.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and headaches are granted service connection. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is denied.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and to provide a more thorough opinion regarding the Veteran's psychiatric conditions, including PTSD and depression. The VA will attempt to obtain morning reports from his service unit and conduct an addendum examination.

The claim for service connection for TBI was reopened and granted, while the claim for PTSD secondary to TBI was denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left ear hearing loss disability has been reopened, and the appeal is granted. The right ear hearing loss disability and asthma claims are remanded due to new evidence received since the final denial in February 1994. The acquired psychiatric disability (including depression and PTSD) claim is also remanded.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions have been remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to fully consider the Veteran's claims, including obtaining relevant medical records and verifying his claimed stressors.

The Veteran's appeal of the issue of service connection for allergic rhinitis is dismissed. The Board finds that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD-like symptoms, is related to his military service and grants service connection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional examinations and evaluations to address inconsistencies in his diagnoses and treatment records, particularly regarding lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for arthritis of the hands and an acquired psychiatric disability have been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and review of submitted evidence.,The Veteran is seeking an increase in his rating for diabetic nephropathy. The Board finds that a new examination is needed as his diabetes has worsened, and this condition is intertwined with his nephropathy.,The Veteran seeks increased ratings for bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type two. His claim will be remanded due to the need for an updated examination.,The Veteran claims entitlement to a higher rating for bronchial asthma, which has not been evaluated in over 8 years. A new examination is needed.,The Veteran alleges CUE in his service connection denial for depression and sleep apnea. His claim will be remanded as the issue of service connection remains pending.,The Veteran claims entitlement to service connection for sleep apnea, which was denied due to CUE. The claim will be remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation during the periods of concern, as he was able to maintain several entry-level jobs.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection of a headache disability and granted it. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, anxiety, and depression) is remanded.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for peptic ulcer disease. The remaining issues of service connection for tinnitus, hypertension, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) are remanded.

The Board has denied service connection for a right hip disorder as secondary to the service-connected left ankle and left foot disabilities. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) is remanded due to incomplete records.

The Veteran's appeal of the issues of service connection for heart disorder, coronary artery disease, and psychiatric disorder (including generalized anxiety disorder) is dismissed. The remaining issues on appeal are remanded for further development.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for OSA and PTSD due to outstanding VA treatment records, potential Vet Center records, and need for a new VA examination.