Acquired psychiatric disorder decisions — 2018

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including as secondary to service-connected chronic gastritis, had its onset in service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined a 70 percent initial disability rating is warranted for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder for the period prior to February 21, 2015. For the period beginning February 21, 2015, an increased rating higher than 70 percent is denied. The Veteran also received a grant of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including left knee and foot disabilities, right knee disability, arteriosclerotic heart disease, hypertension, chronic liver disease, pancreatitis, atherosclerotic renal disease (chronic kidney disease), diabetes mellitus type II, psychiatric disorders, headaches, and sleep apnea. The decision was based on the absence of evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations and opinions provided are inadequate, and thus remanding for further examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's right knee disability, sinus condition (including Sinusitis), and acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD).

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral tinnitus, but denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression). The Veteran's bilateral tinnitus was found to be caused by military noise exposure. Service connection is also granted for the Veteran's diagnosed PTSD and depression.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection due to his death.

The Veteran's appeal for right elbow disability was withdrawn prior to the Board's decision.,There is no evidence of a current disability manifested by muscle spasms or bilateral hip disability. The Veteran has not been shown to have these conditions.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and did not find new and material evidence to reopen the claim of a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions regarding his right hip disability, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and acquired psychiatric disorder. The claims are being returned to the agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ) for further development.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability and remanded it for further development, including a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to outstanding VA treatment records and conflicting medical opinions. The Veteran will need to provide updated VA treatment records, VistA Imaging records, and information regarding his in-service stressors. He will also be provided with VA examinations for his lumbar spine disability, sleep disorder, acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and bipolar disorder), nasal polyps, and chronic sinus headaches.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychotic disorder, to include chronic schizophrenia, should be remanded due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal of the issues regarding service connection for residuals of a right middle finger cut, bilateral hearing loss, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The Board dismissed the appeal as a result.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The issues of service connection for sleep apnea, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), chronic lumbar strain, and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity are remanded.

The Board denied service connection for traumatic brain injury, migraine headaches, psychiatric disability, and sleep disorder as the evidence did not show a nexus to active military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for Dercum's disease, hypertension, and an acquired psychiatric disability (depression) due to insufficient evidence regarding the onset of these conditions during active service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to conflicting opinions and insufficient evidence. The low back condition claim requires a new VA opinion, while the psychiatric disability claim needs verification of service in Vietnam.

The Veteran's mental health condition is worsening and needs to be reassessed by a VA examiner.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for tinnitus has been withdrawn.,New and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for lumbar spine disability, acquired psychiatric disorder (adjustment disorder, unspecified), and dyslipidemia. The Board finds that these claims are reopened.,No new and material evidence has been received to reopen the previously denied claim of service connection for dyslipidemia.,New and material evidence has been received to reopen the previously denied claim of service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder (adjustment disorder, unspecified).,The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is found to be related to his active duty service. The issue is remanded for further development.,The Board finds that there is no current diagnosis of traumatic brain injury and thus denies the claim.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that the Veteran's current condition is at least as likely as not related to his military service.